Plans to build a hotel which would be Workington’s tallest commercial building look set to be given the green light by planners.

J Dixon and Son’s proposals for the project – which also include a car showroom, two restaurants, office space and retail floorspace – were first unveiled in April.

Land at St Helen’s Business Park, opposite Dunmail Park, has been earmarked for the project, which would create 831 jobs.

The company originally submitted plans for a 30-storey hotel with 300 bedrooms and a helipad, but after talks with planners they have scaled it down to a 12-storey hotel proposal.

Allerdale council’s development panel will make a decision tomorrow and members are being recommended to approve them.

J Dixon and Son runs Dunmail Park and owns the land opposite.

The company would run the new business park as a supplementary project to Dunmail Park.

It also proposes creating about 760 parking spaces and room for cyclists to leave bicycles.

Managing director Donald Dixon said: “I’m pleased to be at this point.

"We’ve had discussions with planners and Allerdale council and they’ve been helpful with advice.

“We’re looking forward to making progress and the development will be a great asset to the area.

“I think the compromise that we’ve made satisfies everybody concerned.”

Mr Dixon added that work would begin within six months if the panel gives it the go-ahead.

The park would be built over the course of three to four years.

The company has been trading in West Cumbria for more than 100 years.

The council has received two objections so far, with concerns raised about aircraft movements from the helipad, the impact on nearby Pentagon Chemicals and the project being “visually intrusive”.

One letter of support has been received, but the letter says the project must complement and not take away trade from the town centre.

Dunmail Park is home to Asda, Dixons department store, clothes shops, Plaza Cinemas and a toy shop.