PLANS to build a “landmark” hotel in Hayes have been recommended for approval despite objections from local residents.

An application to bulldoze the Golden Cross pub and replace it with a 50 room hotel will go before councillors on Tuesday.

Hillingdon Council officers have suggested it should be approved, giving way for the pub in Botwell Lane to be knocked down and replaced with an art deco inspired hotel which officers say “would present a landmark entrance to Hayes town centre”.

However, local residents have submitted a petition to councillors asking for them to reject the application.

They argue the area is residential and inappropriate for a hotel, the proposed building is too big, and it will cause parking and congestion problems in the area.

198 people signed a petition against the hotel plan, which will be considered as councillors make the final judgement.

As part of the officers' recommendation, they have said developers should make changes to Botwell Lane to reduce congestion, and should put £10,000 into renovating a nearby bus stop to give it disabled access.

The officers have also suggested a new hotel could incorporate the old Golden Cross pub sign to mark what was on the site in the past.

An application for a small hotel, with 33 rooms, was rejected by councillors in 2006, who agreed with the residents objections about transport, size, and the possible disruption to the local area.

However, the developers appealed against the decision and won, meaning councillors could allow the latest application to avoid a a repeat of the costly appeal battle.