A FIFTH Travelodge will be built in York after plans for the new hotel were approved by councillors.

The green light for the new hotel in Monks Cross comes just days after its fourth venue, in Layerthorpe, opened for business.

City of York Council’s Area Planning Committee took minutes to approve the proposals, which will see it built in premises that have stood empty for 10 years.

Councillors said they were keen to see extra jobs created in York, and the budget hotel is expected to create 17 full-time posts.

Cllr David Carr, leader of City of York Council, said: “It’s quite a pleasant-looking building.

“The number of jobs is 17 full-time posts, which is pretty good for a site of that size.

“There’s clearly no obvious alternative employment for that site because it has been on the market for some 10 years.”

Speaking at the time of the flagship Layerthorpe hotel opening, Travelodge property director Tony O’Brien said the Yorkshire economy was “growing apace” but there was not enough good value accommodation to meet demand.

The Layerthorpe opening has created 47 jobs and the company is now looking for more hotel sites in Yorkshire.

Mr O’Brien said they were targeting York, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Northallerton and Thirsk, among other towns, in a bid to boost the number of Yorkshire sites from 34 to 46 and create up to 420 jobs.

Meanwhile, an all-weather pitch will also be built at Bootham School after councillors voted in favour of the plans.

Despite objection from a resident who said a large playing field would increase noise and traffic on an already busy road, the majority of councillors said it was a favourable development that would help pupils and local residents keep fit.

Richard Garner, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of the school, said: “Bootham School does have a great need for sports facilities in line with their sport development plan.

“Currently, hockey cannot be taught and out door play is limited.”

Cllr Ian Gillies added: “I’m sure the school will help the community as much as they can.

“The lighting meets the criteria and the sound proofing has been done.”