Controversial proposals for a modern hotel complex in the heart of the city centre have been approved by planners.

Developers have this evening had their vision for the eyesore Slatters Hotel site passed by 11 votes to one.

Their plans for a 130-room luxury hotel fronting St Margaret’s Street had attracted vociferous opposition – including from Canterbury Cathedral authorities.

The proposal will see a staggered six-storey structure built with shops at ground level and a facade of stone sheeting and glass covering the floors above.

Designed by Architect Guy Hollaway, the scheme’s crowning glory is to be a rooftop restaurant boasting views of the Cathedral across the city’s rooftops.

Speaking to the Kentish Gazette previously, Mr Hollaway said: “It's about creating something that's of real quality that will stand the test of time.

"We are trying to create a contemporary building that blends in bust says something positive about Canterbury."

Opponents had attacked the size of the building and the restaurant, with one residents' group calling it a "selfish, self-centred proposal".

Architect and TV presenter Ptolemy Dean, a member of the Canterbury Society conservation group, even likened the proposed combination of old and new architecture to a kebab.

The Cathedral's Dean and Chapter had complained that the scheme would be "inappropriate to the setting", criticising "the scale, massing and materiality of the proposal in its immediate context, in particular that protruding above the existing roofscape."

Crucially, the site is surrounded by historic structures and the plans involve building behind the facades of listed buildings.

Mr Hollaway is already making a name for himself in Canterbury, having previously won approval for his designs for “five star” student accommodation on the city’s ring road.

The Hythe-based architect is also the man behind Folkestone’s renowned Rocksalt restaurant.

Speaking of his plans to perch a new restaurant atop the Slatters development, he said previously: “There are fantastic restaurants in Canterbury but there’s nothing like this.

“It will be a unique dining experience. This is Canterbury’s Rocksalt.”