Jobs boost by hotel plan approval

Up to 45 jobs could be created after plans to turn a former Essex cinema into a hotel were approved.

The four-storey Premier Inn hotel in Basildon town centre will feature a restaurant and bar and be set in a T-shaped building.

Improvements are also set to be made to the surrounding area.

The council said it hoped 45 new jobs would be created by the development and a three-year deadline was imposed on the developer to begin work.

Ian Butt, project director for the redevelopment of Basildon town centre, said: "This hotel will enhance a run-down part of the town centre and add vitality and interest to this part of the town.

"It will also provide much-needed accommodation for business visitors and tourists coming to the area, as well as providing new jobs."

Premier Inn already runs two other hotels in Basildon.