Northampton's Plough Hotel may still be getting a modern new neighbour

Chiswick-based developers Newlife Hotels Ltd, first applied to build the premises next to the Plough Hotel in Bridge Street in 2011.

But the initial sketches for a 117-bed hotel between three and five floors tall were thrown out.

Some early designs were felt to be too much a “pastiche” of the neighbouring Victorian building.

It was also felt more of a gap needed to be maintained between the Plough and the new structure.

By the time the bid was granted outline permission in 2013, the plans had been reduced to 89 beds following concerns about the scale of the proposal by nearby residents.

The developers were told they would need to have to review the design and scale of the plans in order to obtain full approval.

This week the developers have submitted a final set of designs which it says is a “more respectful scale to the residential units that extend along Victoria Promenade”.

It adds: “This location would particularly benefit the availability of accommodation for visitors to the town, close to the attractions of the town centre.”

The new plans also feature a 25-space car park. The borough council is set to decide on the plans in the coming weeks.

The landmark Plough Hotel in Bridge Street was built in 1879.

During World War Two, it was used by the American Red Cross Society as a leave centre for American troops.

Over three years, a total of 174,000 servicemen stayed at the hotel and the American flag was raised above the building every day.

The borough council is set to make a decision on the new designs.