BOOMING Burnley could get a major boost if a £10.5million hotel development gets the go-ahead from the Secretary of State.

Crow Wood Leisure is set to submit plans in the next few days to build an 80-bedroom hotel which would house conference and wedding facilities and create up to 50 jobs.

The news comes on the back of the company’s Woodland Spa being recognised as the best in the world at a prestigious ceremony in Hong Kong.

Director Oliver Brown said: “We have spent a long time as a board discussing what we think is the natural progression for the company.

“We have experienced massive growth in the last two years and we think the final piece of the jigsaw will be the hotel development.

“As a group of Burnley born and bred businessmen, we have a reputation for building sustainable facilities which boost the area.

“We think this development would give the town something to shout about locally and globally.”

The private members complex was established in 2001 with an investment of £10million and is set among 100 acres of woodland in Burnley, employing 165 people.

It includes a gymnasium, spa, pool, equestrian centre, the Soccer Burnley complex and Bertram’s Restaurant.

The new development would focus on attracting business from overnight spa guests, corporate clients and wedding functions, with work mooted to start next summer if it gets the green light.

As well as the 80 bedrooms, the plans include a banqueting suite which could house around 250 guests, a smaller function room for up to 70 people, and a lounge bar that would also offer light meals and snacks.

A spokesman for the company said: “We have been working very closely with Burnley Council for well over 12 months to develop a scheme which is sympathetic, proportional and, most importantly, sustainable.

“Built to a high standard, the scheme is budgeted at £10.5million and, although subject to planning permission, we are hopeful of a start on site mid-late 2016.”

Burnley and Padiham MP Julie Cooper said: “It sounds like a good idea, but I would need to look at the plans to see what the impact is on the local area .”