An ambitious scheme to turn a 17th century hostelry in Bromley town centre into a five-star hotel has been approved by councillors.

Councillors voted unanimously to back the scheme which will have the historic and neglected Royal Bell restored into a landmark hotel.

Different proposals have been put forward in the last few years, including turning the High Street building into a community centre, but nothing has ever materialised.

The new owners,N. Hillman & Sons, think their proposals will return the prestigious building, which has fallen into disrepair, to its former glory.

Planners at the council had recommended the scheme be rejected, but councillors disagreed and rubber-stamped the project at a meeting on November 13.

Ward councillor Will Harmer spoke in support of the 50-bed hotel project, which also has the backing of MP Bob Neill.

Cllr Harmer said afterwards: “We are delighted that following comments from the ward councillors that the committee decided to unanimously grant permission for this exciting proposal.

“The town centre will benefit hugely from a five-star hotel and the additional facilities that come with this application.

“We’ve been very impressed by the dedication that the owner has shown in respecting and restoring this building – we can’t wait for it to open.

The hotel was rebuilt in 1898, and is currently vacant after years of being in disrepair.

More than 100 neighbours wrote in support of the fresh plans for the hotel, with one dubbing it a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

N. Hillman & Sons have been given the green light for a 50-bed hotel, which will be equipped with a gym and swimming pool.

A nine-storey annex will be constructed next to the hotel, and an existing stable block will be demolished and a new entrance constructed.

Planners had said before the meeting: “The proposal would result in a material and irreversible harm to the heritage assets.

“The scale of the proposed nine storey building also fails to adequately reflect and respect the properties in the surrounding area providing an inharmonious relationship with its surroundings.”