Plans have been lodged to turn the site of a now-derelict pub into a new apartment-style hotel. 

The Royal Hotel pub, in Loftus, was purchased by Jamey Bowles, the owner of Bowles Hotels, last year. Under new plans, it could become the group's second apartment hotel. 

Located on the eastern edge of the town, the former pub was acquired by the development group for £75,000 after it was auctioned off. 

Mr Bowles said: “Redcar has been undergoing so much regeneration that our first hotel has been hugely successful, with occupancy increasing every week and jobs created for local residents.

“My hopes for the Loftus hotel are even higher, given the work going on to improve the high street and car parking in the town; by redeveloping the old Royal Hotel we hope to bring further tourism, jobs and investment to Loftus.”

Redcar and Cleveland Council previously granted planning permission for supported living accommodation on the pub and car park site comprising 16 flats which were intended to house vulnerable adults.

But the plans, approved in January 2022 by councillors despite objections, failed to progress with the company behind them, Mersten Limited, later going into administration.

The Bowles Hotel Group aim to replicate the success of their "luxury aparthotel" in Redcar, on West Terrace. 

Each room at Bowles Hotels is a luxuriously furnished self-contained studio apartment, with ensuite bathroom and fully equipped kitchenette - and will serve as a formula for the redevelopment of the Loftus venue.

Work will begin in December on Bowles Hotel, Loftus, and it is due to open by the end of May 2025.