Hotel operator Puma Hotels has been given the green light to develop a new 107-bedroom lodge property in Harrogate as part of a revamp of the Harrogate International Centre (HIC).

Harrogate Borough Council has approved the scheme, which will see the hotel element directly linked to a new 3,400sq m (36,597sq ft) exhibition venue as part of the first phase of the HIC redevelopment. The property will also provide improved access to the HIC from the four-star Barcelo Majestic Hotel, which is also operated by Puma Hotels and is set to be extended by a further 85 bedrooms under separate plans.

Puma Hotels chair Howard Shore said: "We are delighted to be involved in the future development of the Harrogate International Centre and to be providing such extensive hotel accommodation in the heart of Harrogate."