PLANS for a hotel on the old Woolworths site in Holyhead has sparked a heated debate.

Calls are being made for a public meeting to discuss the application which would see the demolition of the existing 19th-century building on Market Street, to construct a five-storey, 119-bedroom hotel.

The plans by RDVL Developments Ltd are to create up to 10 new jobs.

Holyhead Cllr Ken Tatlock of the Morawelon ward said: "I don't want it to be a hotel. It's completely wrong for the Woolworths site and for Holyhead.

"My concerns are that it just would not work, it would spoil the town. They have not considered the local people, especially how it will affect existing B&Bs. We've also already got a Premiere Inn being built here.

"My worry is the Woolworths site could end up being used as some sort of hostel, the council would want to use it as a dumping ground. I am against it and calling for a public meeting."

Stanley Arms owner Ivor Thomas, who runs a five room B&B, said: "I am concerned, if the hotel went ahead, it could affect B&B trade.

"I have 70-80 percent occupancy. I could see me having to lay off two of my staff. They say it will create jobs, but it will also cause job losses. It's a big building, five storeys. Where do they think people will park? Whoever came up with this plan must be crazy."

However, former mayor Cllr Ann Kennedy, for the town ward, said: "We welcome the investment in the town that will increase the footfall.

"We need to work with the developers to ensure that there is the minimum amount of disruption for businesses in Market St and Stanley St. The local Business Focus group has discussed this at a recent meeting and we are now looking at the plans together."

The hotel plans have also prompted a debate on social media.

On Facebook Claire Winters said: "In the long run it doesn't create any jobs, all other small family run businesses will have to cut staff as you need heads on beds to pay their wages.

"Personally I think a seaside town such as ours should be small quaint little places to stay and eat. Keep the big guns away."

Alan Owen said: "Why couldn't it facilitate an indoor shopping complex ... another hotel is not needed."

John Palmer Roberts said: "They would be better off changing to a ten pin bowling alley or ice rink so that there would be something for people to do here."

In addition to the hotel, the proposed development also includes a 150 square metre restaurant and cafe facility on the ground floor.

No on-site parking is included due to the constraints of the site, with visitors being directed to town centre pay and display car parks.

The developers, which took ownership of the site in 2016, said: “The large vacant unit is a blight on Holyhead High Street and the large floor area lends itself to a budget hotel and associated cafe/restaurant use which would make the development viable.”

Anglesey Council’s planning committee will discuss the planning application over the coming months.