Here's what the Hythe Imperial Hotel could look like after its planned renovation
10:14, 09 December 2019
updated: 10:49, 09 December 2019
More details of the ambitious plans to expand an historic seafront hotel in Hythe have emerged.
The Hythe Imperial Hotel, which overlooks the English Channel, revealed plans to add a modern looking extension earlier this year.
Additional facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool and decking area, extra spa treatment and changing rooms, a bridal suite and a gym.
Now, the full application has appeared on Folkestone and Hythe District Council's planning portal, revealing the finer details.
The two-storey, glass-fronted building, covered in foliage, will be built to the west of the existing hotel, towards the junction of Princes Parade and Twiss Road.
Visitors will be able to enter via a new entrance which will lead directly to the spa reception.
The ground floor will then include a relaxation room, seven spa treatment rooms, a spa shop, a lounge, changing rooms, and access to the courtyard and outdoor pool.
A feature tree is proposed within the courtyard which sits amongst a variety of white stones - the inspiration of which derives from a traditional Japanese garden.
The first floor will be accessible from the spa reception area via a central staircase and lift.
The exercise studios and gym, more changing rooms, the bridal dressing room, and nine hotel rooms will then be found on the first floor.
All the new changing rooms will contain lockers, showers and toilets.
Guests will also be able to access the new extension from the existing hotel.
Perforated anodised metal cladding is proposed to wrap around the new build.
It will also form a semi enclosed walkway linking the existing and proposed site together externally - the patterns in the cladding will aim to create 'mood lighting' in the tunnel.
Documents, put together by architect Guy Holloway, state: "The Hythe Imperial has undergone a successful recent refurbishment of its rooms and ballroom space.
"This refurbishment has increased the popularity of the whole venue to the point where it is now a destination in its own right offering weddings, spa treatments and high quality accommodation.
"The proposals within this application seek to build on the success of the Hythe Imperial to create a leading spa, treatment and leisure facility.
"This application builds on an underused part of the site and will create a distinct offering for the clients who wish to visit."
The 4-star hotel Hythe Imperial - originally built in 1880 - already boasts 92 bedrooms, a golf course, spa and leisure facilities and Kent’s only Moet & Chandon Champagne Bar.
It has recently undergone a multi-million pound facelift, which saw both bedrooms and hotel amenities refurbished.
It is owned by GSE Group, which also runs the Marquis of Granby in Alkham, near Dover.
No comments have been submitted yet from members of the public, but Kent County Council's transport department has objected over the lack of proposed new parking spaces.
It is not known when the application it is due to go before the council's planning committee, but the consultation period ends tomorrow (December 10).
