REVAMP plans for a Bradford hotel, wedding and events venue are likely to be approved by councillors after an initial application was refused.

Proposals for a reception area extension and a pavilion-style orangery at the Holiday Inn, Tong Lane, are to be discussed by councillors on Wednesday.

In the first application, Holiday Inn said it would pull the franchise from its Tong Hotel if the plans for two new extensions and a marquee were not approved.

Bradford Council rejected the application due to it involving building in the green belt, the detrimental effect it would have on neighbouring properties, and because the development would be a “significant intensification of use of the site”.

The extension to the reception area, the orangery, plus a marquee to cater for up to 500 guests were all seen as crucial to a franchise-wide concept to upgrade all Holiday Inns.

But a new application - which does not include the addition of a marquee - was lodged with planners and is due to be given the green light.

A Council report says: “The extensions are required to facilitate a new layout in conjunction with a refurbishment of the hotel.This is stated as a requirement of the parent organisation, and as part of a refurbishment and reorganisation of the hotel in order to support the businesses relevance and continued success.

“It is stated in that the proposal will create an additional 40 jobs, this is highly unlikely and appears to be a figure carried over from a previous application. It can however be envisaged that the development will have some positive implications for additional employment, and at a minimum will serve to secure existing jobs and jobs during construction work.”

It says the operation of the hotel is likely to have “ additional economic benefits” for the wider district.

The reception extension is considered to be a “modest addition” and of no harm to the building’s appearance or character. While the orangery is described as a “more notable addition”, the report says it is modest in scale.

“Whilst the design is seen as a concern within the representations received, and

specific mention is made to the wider impact on the Tong Village conservation area, it is not considered that the proposed orangery will form a harmful addition to the property, and if anything it adds visual interest,” says the report.

In detailing the reasons for recommending approval, the report adds: “The proposal will not harm the openness of the green belt or conflict with the purposes of including the land within the green belt. No harm to neighbouring amenity or highway safety is envisaged and the design is considered to maintain the appearance and character of the host property and wider locality”