NEW plans for two ‘landmark’ hotels in Bournemouth which will create 100 jobs have won approval from civic planners.

The founder of the Ted Baker clothing company, Ray Kelvin, is a major backer of the Terrace Mount scheme which will involve two Hilton hotels and apartments.

London-based THAT Group intends to build an iconic four or five start hotel, topped with a sky bar, and a two or three star hotel on the former car park site.

Approval for the major development was granted in October 2010 but revised plans, including proposals to increase the main tower to 13 storeys, came before the local authority’s planning board.

In a deputation, THAT property director Peter Tisdale said: “It’s been a long road but we are ready to go with this development; we would like to start by the end of this month.

“There will be traffic, noise and problems but we will do everything we can to minimise the fuss.”

Planning officer Steve Davies said the proposed development, with an increased height of almost three metres, would be “very, very dominant” but not, in his opinion, harmful to the town.

Recommending that the application be deferred, he added: “I don’t think it is good enough for the site.

“It’s a bit less interesting than before and I would like the opportunity to continue negotiations with the developer.”

But town centre ward councillor David Smith urged the board to grant the application. He warned: “There has to be a line in the sand; if we defer it the whole thing becomes unworkable.”

Ward councillor Barry Goldbart said: “I really think this major project needs to be given the green light.

“If we defer we run the risk of the funds falling away.”

Board members shared their sentiments and a move by chairman Cllr David Kelsey to grant approval to the amendments, seconded by Cllr Roger West, won unanimous approval. The scheme is expected to take two years to complete.