THE Queensferry Lodge Hotel is set to almost double in size if ambitious plans for an extension get the go-ahead.

The Cairn Group wants to put in an extra five-storey 73-bedroom extension to the 77-room hotel, but reduce car parking spaces by 28 from the current 180.

The plans, which also include a spa / gym area, would bring the total number of rooms to 150, with 152 parking spaces, of which six will be marked as disabled.

It would also almost double the hotel floor space from 5350 sq m to 10,247 sq m.

Consent was previously granted in 2010 to form 199 bedrooms, conference accommodation, a public reception area and an extension to the car park, but was not implemented and subsequently expired last year.

In an accompanying design statement, agents England and Lyle said, “It is considered that the existing hotel is not viable and its long-term future is reliant of increasing the numbers.” The planning statement added, “The application proposal is seeking to provide an extension to the existing hotel to provide a further 73 rooms in order to accommodate a higher level of visitors to the area.

“The current hotel has been built to a prosaic design which reflects a commercial character and is clearly dated in terms of its design and appearance.

“It is considered that the existing hotel creates an underwhelming welcome to Fife and as such, the current proposals will improve the appearance at this site.”