PLANNING chiefs are being asked to approve proposals to upgrade one of the New Forest’s best-known hotels.

Owners of the award-winning Cloud Hotel in Meerut Road, Brockenhurst, are seeking consent for a single-storey extension to the back of the building.

In a separate move they also intend to knock four rooms into three and increase the size of the bathrooms.

The application to build an extension has been submitted to the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

Its initial assessment of the proposal says: “The Cloud Hotel is located with the Brockenhurst Conservation Area and has been identified as a building of local significance.

“The main considerations relate to whether the proposals are appropriate in their scale and design, given the significance of the building.”

Facilities at the 17-bedroom hotel include three lounges, a 50-cover restaurant and 30-cover function room.

It was owned and operated for more than 40 years by former Tiller Girl Avril Owton.

Last year she sold the business to experienced hotel operators Chris Legg and Stewart Wills, who were looking to relocate to the New Forest.