AROUND 15 new jobs will be created by the proposed £1.5 million extension at the historic Dunkenhalgh Hotel at Clayton le Moors.

Macdonald Hotels Ltd, which owns the prestigious hotel, was recently granted planning permission for the new wing by Hyndburn Borough Council.

Chief Executive Donald Macdonald said: "The extension will help to enhance the comfort of our guests and, at the same time, bring more business and employment to the area."

The Dunkenhalgh Hotel is a listed building and the form of the extension will have to follow strict guidelines set down by the local authority planning department.

Mr Macdonald said his company was aware of the sensitivity and beauty of the listed building and surrounding landscape.

He added: With the help of our architects we believe we have been able to find the correct design balance for the extension, not just in today's terms but for years to come." The new wing, housing 42 luxury bedrooms on three floors, a staircase and lift access, will bring the total number of bedrooms to 122.

Three of the new ones will be specifically designed to meet the needs of the disabled.

The hotel dates back to before the 13th century and has been home to some of Lancashire's most distinguished characters.

From 1571 to 1712 it was the main residence of the Walmesley family.

Thomas Walmesley became a Member of Parliament for Lancashire and was knighted by James I in 1603.

He amassed quite a fortune in his lifetime which he lavished on Dunkenhalgh House and on enlarging his estates in Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Thomas Walmesley's grandson Thomas was also knighted by James I and was MP for Clitheroe in 1621 and for Lancashire in 1625.

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