Plans for a 60 bed, three storey hotel will be put before Monmouthshire County Council's (MCC) planning committee by the end of the month following pre-application advice taken by Whitbread PLC.

The site on Portal Road has been earmarked for development for 10 years and the former construction compound for the A40 is now likely to see a Premier Inn by the end of the year.

A presentation to town planners on Monday night (19th January) drew positive feedback with some councillors welcoming the news of Whitbread's commitment to the proposal.

The total cost will be in the region of £4m, which will include the land purchase cost and it is estimated the hotel will generate 16 full-time jobs on site as well as an estimated 34 jobs created in the wider economy through suppliers and services.

The Bristol planning consultants, Turley, said there would be an estimated £300,000 boost to the local economy and £900,000 spent in the wider Welsh economy as although there is a 40 seater eating area incorporated within the building, it is expected that guests would travel into town for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Only half of the site will be sold off, with the council retaining the rest of the site for later development with a possible drop off zone for coaches being mentioned.

The building would incorporate a high standard of sustainable features such as grey water recycling and air source heat pumps, all 60 rooms would have en-suite facilities and three ground-floor rooms would be universal access.

They hope to submit plans by the end of January and, if successful, be on site by the middle of 2015.