THE ambitious £10 million restoration plans for Morecambe's Midland Hotel have been given the green light by planners.

The planning committee's unanimous decision means work can now start on the promenade site.

The approval of the planning proposals, submitted in December last year following extensive consultation with development experts, English Heritage and the local community means the grade II listed building will be extended to include a leisure centre, extra bedrooms and conference facilities.

Commenting on the announcement, Mike Baron, of the developers Kalber Leisure, said: "We welcome this positive decision taken by the council.

It reflects the hard work put in by all parties and the collective desire and commitment to return the Midland to its former glory.

It is a good result, not just for Kalber and the Midland but also for Morecambe and the local community."

He added: "The approval of planning permission is a major step forward in the process of renovating this historic beautiful art deco building.

"Both my team and myself look forward to pushing on with the project as we still have so much to do in time for the grand opening in Easter 2003.

The next step will be to appoint specialist contractors as soon as possible."

Kalber Leisure is a venture capitalist firm investing in the leisure industry and The Midland will be Kalber's flagship hotel.