NEGLECT has taken its toll on Morecambe's landmark Midland Hotel - but now councillors look set to back plans to transform it into a 21st century visitor destination.

Lancaster City Council's planning committee meets on Monday when officers will advise members to support a bid to rejuvenate the arc deco landmark.

The application, from Urban Splash, is to create a modern 42-bedroom hotel with a new lounge and bar featuring a covered terrace on the roof.

The proposal also includes a small open-air swimming pool and glass-fronted bathhouse on land at the south western end of the main building.

A report detailing the application says the design is 'very much of the 21st century' but its form is in keeping with the 1930's concept.

The plans have the backing of the Twentieth Century Society as well as English Heritage, whose spokesman praises the Urban Splash designs as 'exemplary'.

Lancaster Civic Society also supports the building's restoration but has voiced concerns that its use as a hotel may not be viable.

The society notes that Urban Splash proposes to finance the project by building on the space to the north.

And members are asking for a decision on the application to be deferred until it can be considered alongside their proposals for this land.

Any other representations will be reported at the meeting.