Plans for a £5 million hotel and restaurant on the outskirts of Cockermouth will be unveiled today.

Premier Inn wants to build an 80-bedroom hotel and 200-cover Brewers Fayre restaurant on the site of the the Shepherds Hotel, on Egremont Road.

Whitbread, Premier Inn’s parent company, says the new development will create up to 50 new jobs.

The plans will be on show at the Kirkgate Centre, from 3pm to 7pm today.

Cockermouth people are being encouraged to attend and have their say. 

Premier Inn will review the comments and incorporate the feedback into the designs where possible, said a spokesman.

A planning application for the proposed hotel is expected to be submitted to Allerdale council later this year.

Nick Johnston, acquisition manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: "Cockermouth is an excellent new location for Premier Inn customers and I’m positive our proposed hotel will encourage many more people to visit the town and experience the surrounding areas."

Premier Inn’s plans include a 120-space on-site car park. 

The Shepherds Hotel is owned by Roy Campbell and has been on the market for more than three years.

Mr Campbell said: "Various people have looked at it. Whitbread asked if they can get planning permission.

"I think Premier Inn is a very good company, they cater for all budgets and would bring a lot of folk to the area. 

"We came here to run a visitor centre and various changes, including foot and mouth, have meant that is no longer happening.

"It is a good position though and has a lot to offer." 

At the exhibition, the designs for the new hotel and restaurant will be on display and members of the development team will be available to answer questions on the proposals. 

Full details will also be available on the consultation website for the scheme www.premierinncockermouth.co.uk from today.