A HOTEL chain's plans to expand their Bradford site have been approved on the second attempt.

Earlier this year Holiday Inn's attempts to expand their Tong site by building a reception area extension, a pavilion-style orangery and a a marquee to cater for up to 500 guests, were refused by Bradford Council due to concerns that it would be a “significant intensification of use of the site."

But the hotel giant submitted amended plans - dropping the marquee that was the main sticking point for planners.

Yesterday members of the Council's Bradford Area Planning Panel voted to approve the amended plans, designed by Bradford based Yeme architects.

The company has said it will be a major investment for Bradford.

Councillor Mohammed Amran (Lab, Heaton) said: "This investment will bring in more people to Bradford which will help the city."

However after seeing an artist's impression of the orangery expansion, Councillor Riaz Ahmed (Lib Dem, Bradford Moor) questioned the design, saying: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think this extension sticks out like a sore thumb. It just doesn't fit in with the rest of the building."

Chair Councillor Shabir Hussain said: "This is a well done, good vision for the site. It is a good mix of the young and old. I think that is the way forward, and I'm sure something we'll see a lot more of in the future."

The plans were then approved by the panel.