PLANS for a 36-bedroom hotel at a main gateway into Burnley have been submitted to the council.

East Lancashire brewer Daniel Thwaites wants to improve and extend the Derby Hotel, Gannow Top, plans which could create up to 30 jobs.

The proposal was originally approved by councillors five years ago, but the company must re-apply as that planning approval has lapsed.

Local residents objected to the scheme because they feared it will increase traffic on Padiham Road and Pendle Way and late night noise from people using the hotel - 81 people handed in a petition to the council opposing the plans.

Objectors also say there is little need for another hotel as the proposed development is close to the Travel Lodge at Burnley Barracks. The proposed 36-bed Travel Lodge at the hotel site, Padiham Road, will be built on stilts above a tunnel over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

A spokesman for the brewery said: "This application has been submitted as part of a proposal by Daniel Thwaites to improve and alter the Derby Hotel and to revitalise its function by providing bedroom accommodation in the form of a lodge/hotel adjoining the public house.

"The Derby Hotel is located at a key gateway location into Burnley, in close proximity to the M65.

"The building does not currently fulfil its potential in relation to its position and it is considered that the proposed refurbishment plans would improve and enhance the bulding and the surrounding area."