Plans to redevelop Turk’s Head Lodge announced.

One of the UK’s largest hotel chains has set its sights on Honiton for a £4million development project.

Premier Inn has completed a deal with Yelverton Properties to redevelop the Turk’s Head Lodge, which closed earlier this year.

Subject to planning permission being granted, the building will be demolished to make way for a new 66-bedroom Premier Inn hotel and restaurant.

Richard Pearson, the acquisition manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: “Honiton adds another quality location in the South West, so I’m pleased Yelverton Properties has purchased the former motel site and will build a new Premier Inn hotel and restaurant.

“The site is an ideal location for a new hotel with its proximity to Honiton and transport routes to Exeter and Cornwall.

“The hotel will create 25 new jobs and will help attract business and leisure visitors to Honiton, supporting the local economy.

“Subject to planning permission, we look forward to opening the doors to our Honiton customers in late 2014 and supporting local businesses in the area.”

Whitbread, Premier Inn’s parent company, will take a 25-year lease on the site.

Andrew Davis, the director of Yelverton Properties, added: “[We are] pleased to have completed this deal with a hotel operator of the calibre of Premier Inn and, subject to planning, transforming the former Turk’s Head Lodge into a new hotel and restaurant.

“Whitbread has shown full confidence in the local economy with this leasehold deal and the development, and the jobs it will create will support businesses in the area and further enhance the local economy.”

A public consultation will be held within the next month prior to a formal planning application being submitted.

If planning permission is granted, construction will start in spring next year.

Honiton Town Council was due to receive a presentation on the proposals during a planning meeting held last night (Tuesday).

See next week’s Midweek Herald for full details.