The Lodore Falls Hotel has been given the go-ahead for a £7 million extension and spa.

The Borrowdale hotel, part of the Lake District Hotels group, will kick off the plans in January 2017 with a full ground floor refurbishment of the existing hotel encompassing bar, lounges, reception, restaurant, lobby and function room which will be completed before summer 2017.

The Graves family, owners of seven hotels in the Lake District, will work with architects and interior and spa designers to create a contemporary feel to the 146-year-old property, while retaining its identity.

The next stage will see the existing leisure facilities including outdoor pool and squash court will be demolished to make way for a new riverside, brasserie style restaurant overlooking Watendlath Beck, 18 new luxury bedrooms and a full spa with treatment rooms, heat experiences and infinity spa pool.

Charles Graves, director of Lake District Hotels, said "It's a natural progression for the hotel and will ensure that this iconic hotel remains synonymous with luxury and the hotel maintains its position among the leading hotels in Cumbria.

"We are approaching the development with new and creative decisions while respecting the hotel's history and its beautiful surroundings."