Seamill Hydro has been given the go-ahead for a new reception, wedding and function suite.

Approval for the development has been given by North Ayrshire Council, whose planners have welcomed the 'positive' changes to the historic complex.

The design of the new extenstion will retain the historic Victorian theme, with traditional materials used to maintin the hotel's 'timeless and elegant style'.

The new entrance and function suite will be built a tthe current Seaview building and sports pitches.

The hotel's new wedding suite is going to be called The Firth Pavilion to capitalise on the spectacular panorama of the Clyde, and the new proposals are expected to create 30 new jobs including kitchen and bar staff, gardeners, management and marketing officers.

The new suite will be a direct replacement for the existing Brisbane Suite.

There would be no significant increase in capacity, but the owners state that there is likely to be an increased demand for wedding venues in the area in the coming years.

Demand for business and conference facilities is also highlighted as one of the drivers for the refurbishment.

The design of the new extension would retain the historic Victorian theme, with traditional materials used to maintain the hotel’s ‘timeless and elegant’ style.

The two storey extension would extend the south façade to create a new entrance, function suite as well as alterations to the car park and new landscaping.

The hotel is owned by the Sweeney family and was originally opened as sanatorium in 1879. Over the last quarter of a century the capacity has increased from 40 to almost 100 bedrooms.

North Ayrshire planning officer Ross Middleton stated: “The design and scale of the extension is considered acceptable and represents a welcome and positive improvement to the existing hotel complex. The proposal would have the added benefit of the demolition of an existing modern extension to the front of the original building which in itself does not complement the traditional character of the main hotel.”