PLANS for a new 120-bedroom hotel and restaurant in Exeter city centre look set to get the go-ahead.

As the Echo revealed in December, Trathen Properties plans to invest £10m in redeveloping a site off Southernhay East currently used as a car park.

Premier Inn has been lined up to operate the new hotel, which would be the chain's third in the city. The plans include a coffee shop and restaurant on the site between Dean Clarke House and the Exeter Law Courts.

The city council's planning committee is due to decide on the application on Monday, February 20, with an officer's report recommending approval.

The design of the building has been revised in response to concerns over its height and "bland" appearance.

The scheme also features a 167-space underground car park, due to be run by Premier Parking Solutions, catering for shoppers, office workers and those visiting the courts.

Several concerns were raised by the courts, including parking issues and worries about security during construction.

The plans include a five-storey, 20,000 sq ft office building in the second phase of the development, though this is not likely to be built for some time because of a current lack of demand for new office space.

If given the green light by councillors, the development is expected to create around 120 jobs during construction and a further 80 when the hotel and restaurant open.

Meanwhile, plans to convert nearby Dean Clarke House in Southernhay into 24 flats and six office suites are also recommended for approval. The plans have been revised by Devon Lifestyles after a previous scheme consisting of 27 flats and three office suites on the old hospital site was turned down.

A planning officer's report notes that the building has been empty for several years and is falling into disrepair, adding: "The redevelopment of the Dean Clarke House complex represents an important regeneration project for this section of Southernhay. Given its prominent location within the city, the early renovation and refurbishment of the building is considered to be of significant importance."