PLANS to build a hotel – which would be Workington's tallest commercial building – look set to be given the green light by planners next week.

J Dixon and Son unveiled proposals for the project back in April which also include a car showroom, two restaurants, office space and retail floorspace.

Land at St Helen's Business Park, opposite Dunmail Park, has been earmarked for the project which would create 831 jobs.

The company originally submitted plans for a 30-storey hotel with 300 bedrooms and a helipad, but following discussions with planners they have scaled back and put forward a 12-storey hotel proposal instead.

Allerdale's development panel will make a decision regarding the plans on Tuesday and are being recommended to approve them.

J Dixon and Son runs Dunmail Park and owns the land opposite.

The company would run the new business park as a supplementary project to Dunmail Park.

The plans also propose creating about 760 car parking spaces and room for cyclists to leave bicycles.

Donald Dixon, managing director, said: "I'm pleased to be at this point. We've had discussions with planners and Allerdale council and they've been helpful with advice.

"We're looking forward to making progress and the development will be a great asset to the area.

"I think the compromise that we've made satisfies everybody concerned."

Mr Dixon added that work would begin within six months if the development panel give it the go-ahead.

The park would be built over the course of three to four years.

The company has been trading in West Cumbria for more than 100 years.

Allerdale council has received two objection letters so far with concerns raised about aircraft movements from the helipad, the impact on nearby Pentagon Chemicals and the project being "visually intrusive".

One letter of support has been received, but the letter says that the project must complement and not take away trade from the town centre.

Dunmail Park is home to Asda, Dixons department store, clothes shops including Wallis, Plaza Cinemas and a toy shop. Mr Dixon also has a department store in Whitehaven.