Signs for the new 80-bedroom Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre in Cockermouth have been approved.

But three additional signs were vetoed by councillors as they were felt to be unnecessary and out of character.

Planners recommended Allerdale council’s development panel approve signs on the building, within the car park, in the access route and a sign advertising at the site entrance.

However, they recommended refusal of a promotional display at the site entrance and two signs by the Oakhurst roundabout as they would give a cluttered appearance.

Councillor Janet Farebrother moved the officers’ recommendation, seconded by Coun Ron Munby, and the vote was won.

Work has started on the site of the former Shepherd’s Hotel, which was approved in April.

The development, off Lamplugh Road, is expected to create 51 jobs.

Premier Inn is investing £9 million in the development, which is expected to open early next year.

Its plans for the build were approved in April and Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, which owns Premier Inn, bought the site in May.

It is believed it paid in the region of £1.1 million.

Work to demolish the Shepherds Hotel, which previously stood on the site, began soon afterwards.

The old Shepherds Hotel used to be home to be a visitor attraction called the Sheep and Wool Centre, which closed in 2009.