A landmark hotel on the main A47  looks set to be converted into flats.

Proposals to turn a motel block alongside the Elme Hall Hotel, at Wisbech, into a house of multiple occupation were agreed in 2022.

Now a developer's agent named in planning papers as Danny Conetta has applied for permission to convert the main hotel building into 20 flats.

A planning statement submitted to West Norfolk Council says: "Since the last application the client has completed his purchase of the whole site from the previous owners.

"They have progressed the conversion of the motel block and are successfully renting out a large number of the spaces. Throughout this whole time, the main building has remained a hotel and remained on the market as such."

The hotel has been up for sale for £1.9m since early 2021, but the statement says there had been no other interest.

It adds: "With the main building showing serious signs of decay and becoming an unsightly proposition upon the entry to Wisbech, coupled with the success of his motel conversion, the client has decided to act."

No staff will be affected by the conversion, as the 42-bed hotel has not been open to the public for some time.

The statement said consumer spending on hospitality is down 70pc on pre-Covid levels and the hotel is no longer viable.

It adds Elme Hall was unable to compete with the "pricings and services offered" at the Premier Inn 12 miles up the A47 at King's Lynn.

Built in the 1980s, the hotel stands in three acres of grounds at the junction of the A47 and Elm High Road, at the busy southern gateway to Wisbech.

A decision is expected later this year.