A NEW hotel will be built on the site of a dilapidated transport cafe.

The Cross Keys Cafe in High Road, Thornwood, will be demolished to make way for a one-and-a-half storey building, with 50 parking spaces, which will be primarily aimed at business guests.

Planning officers concluded the proposal met the special circumstances required for development on green belt areas because it would improve the appearance of the area and compliment a previously approved bar and restaurant at the site.

North Weald Bassett Council raised concerns over a potential increase in traffic and road safety concerns at the access to the hotel off London Road, but no objections were raised by Essex County Council's highways department.