Grade II-listed seafront hotel bosses hope to build 10 permanent flats as part of five-storey expansion plans.

Ramsgate’s Hotel San Clu, built in 1883, could also see a new spa, coffee shop and gym as part of ambitious expansion plans.

Official planning papers show the owners want to branch out by building a five-storey extension next to the existing building.

If approved, part of the new block will consist of 10 apartments sold off as permanent homes while the hotel will retain a further nine as holiday lets.

The hotel has become a well-known fixture in the town, having been in the same family since 1989.

But now, Architects HCUK Group say in planning papers on behalf of San Clu: “The provision of nine serviced holiday apartments would provide both high-end and family holiday accommodation – this will meet a directly identified tourism need.

“The site currently benefits from a thriving and popular restaurant which is open to passing trade and hotel residents.

“The proposed commercial uses will operate in a similar manner and are considered to be a positive addition to this part of Ramsgate which is a popular walking and cycling route with residents and tourists.

“It is clear that this development will boost the local economy not only in the short term by providing construction jobs but will also provide jobs for the local community.”

They report the scheme will create 20 new employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the new ‘wellness centre’, including changing rooms, and the coffee shop will be open to the public.

An old basement blocked up after a fire will be opened up to accommodate the new facilities.

The new large building will go on land next to the existing hotel, which is currently used as a garden seating area.

At the back of the business, there is already a gym and spa which will be demolished, making room for six new parking spaces.

The hotel is Grade II-listed, sitting in a prominent spot overlooking the channel.

But the architects reassure that the heritage of the area will be protected.

Documents say: “The proposed development would respect the surrounding designated heritage assets such as listed buildings and the conservation area.

“A design which reflects and respects the historic characteristics of surrounding buildings is proposed and has been used to inform a modern design approach.”

The San Clu was previously known as the Comfort Inn, up until March last year.

However the family went back to its roots and moved away from the chain - undergoing a huge renovation and changing the name.

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It was previously owned by Kishore Kanani, who died in 2022, and his two daughters took the reins.

The hotel opened under the name Hotel St Cloud in 1887, but the French owner did not like the British pronunciation and decided to rename it as Hotel San Clu.

It is said the original owner came up with the name when he saw the word hotel written in the clouds.

Thanet District Council is expected to make a decision on the planning application by October.