Approval lined up for revised Blackpool hotel plans

Revised plans to transform a landmark site in Blackpool into a hotel look set to be backed.Thompson Management Services has already secured approval for two schemes at the former post office on Abingdon Street and Edward Street.The first was given the green light in 2016 and proposed establishing a 50-bed venue, while the second – approved a year later – was to create a retail and leisure destination.However, the latest scheme to go before Blackpool Council’s planning committee is a hybrid of the two, with the company wanting to build a 102-bedroom hotel, a bar and restaurant, and about 35,800 sq ft of retail space.A report to the authority stressed that the proposals would be of “considerable benefit to the town centre economy and improve Blackpool as a visitor destination”.A significant number of jobs would also be provided – indicated to be in the region of 200 – across the shops, restaurants, offices and leisure facilities throughout.The planning committee, which meets on 5 November, has been recommended to grant approval.