A SECOND planning application for hot tub suites facing out onto the North Sea is expected to be lodged within a matter of weeks.

Ambitious proposals for Dunbar’s Bayswell Park Hotel were sent to East Lothian Council at the beginning of last month.

At that time, the plans included not only an annexe building, between the hotel and the cliffs to the north, but also changes within the established hotel.

However, that planning application has now been withdrawn.

A spokesman for Fitzgerald and Associates Ltd, which represents the Bayswell Park Hotel, stressed that the plans were not dead.

Instead, they will be split into two separate applications – one focusing on changes to the existing hotel and the other at the proposed annexe.

Plans for the main hotel building were expected to be lodged with the council’s planning department this week, with the annexe proposals expected next month.

According to the proposals, about £750,000 would be invested in the business, which would “secure the future of the hotel”.

A supporting statement said: “The development proposals will address weaknesses, strengthen the enterprise, promote higher occupancy levels, deliver a much-improved standard of service that will attract customers and, most importantly, facilitate the delivery of a top-quality hotel.”

Changes in the hotel, which dates back more than 120 years, would see four single rooms altered to create two double/twin rooms. On the ground floor, a new dining area would be created through a 50-cover restaurant and improved lounge bar, with a conservatory being removed.

The planning statement, included in the now-withdrawn application, states: “The present areas are too small, and the new restaurant and lounge bar will provide a spacious attractive welcoming ambiance. The comfortable, high-quality dining and relaxation space will be available for both resident guests and for non-resident clients.”

Concerns had been raised at the town’s community council meeting about the proposed annexe, which would offer impressive views out to sea. The design showed a three-storey building, with three suites on each floor.

Jacquie Bell, secretary of the community council, highlighted there were a number of neighbours voicing concerns about the proposals on social media.

Fears included the suitability of the design of the building, while others were worried about building on that area of the land.

However, there were members of the community council who were keen to find out more about the scheme.

Craig Rapson said: “There is a need for hotel accommodation in Dunbar.

“Comments about safety issues – they are not going to build something if it is not safe.”