AN APPLICATION to build an 80-bedroom hotel beside the A3 south of Petersfield has landed on the desk of council planners.

It’s been a long time coming but draft plans for the Greenway Park Hotel and Cycle Centre have finally arrived.

The design is not confirmed as the application is outlined but a three-winged and two-storey hotel is part of the bid. The café is also proposed with a green space separating the hotel on the western side from a cycle centre close to the B2070.

The applicants believe the development will boost tourism and provide jobs while alleviating the shortage of overnight visitor accommodation in the area.

Several hotel operators have already expressed an interest in the scheme with Amberleigh Projects Ltd hopeful of starting work during the next two years.

The application follows some “extensive consultations” with the firm seeking feedback from national park planners, Buriton Parish Council, Petersfield Town Council, British Cycling and similar groups.

“We are delighted to be able to submit our plans for consideration,” said director John Bell on behalf of the applicants.

“Having talked to many people over several years who support the need for both a new hotel and improved cycling provision within the park, we hope the National Park will feel able to support the plans, given the benefits the project offers both locally and to the wider region.”

The applicants have potentially been given a helping hand by a planning inspector as ReCharge One won an appeal in April to build a charging station and eco-lodge development on the other side of the road. The decision may have set a precedent with ‘sold’ signs also appearing on pasture land south of Greenway Lane.

For more details look for 04270 at www.planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk