PORTHMADOG’S former tax office could become a Premier Inn hotel if plans are approved – bringing dozens of jobs.

Liberty Properties, a development company, announced this week it had exchanged contracts with Premier Inn on a £6m investment at the Ty Moelwyn site which it is said will create 30 full-time jobs.

The plans, if approved, would see the demolition of the current Ty Moelwyn building, which housed HM Revenue and Customs offices until last year, and the erection of a three-storey, 66-bedroom hotel.

The company behind the plans, Cadnant Planning on behalf of Liberty Properties, is going to hold a consultation with locals to gain their opinion on the plans before a formal application is submitted.

Porthmadog East county councillor Nia Jeffreys said: “First impressions are that this is good news for Porthmadog.

"The last thing we need here is an empty building, and 30 new full-time jobs will be very welcome.

“As always, the devil will be in the detail – consideration will have to be given to local issues like parking, access and the cycle path. Also the impact on other Porthmadog businesses will have to be carefully weighed up.

“I am pleased that Porthmadog people have the chance to have their say. I hope as many as possible take this opportunity to give their opinion on the proposed hotel. I look forward to hearing what they have to say.”