A hotel in Whitehaven has been put on hold while the landowner tweaks the plans.

Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC) has withdrawn plans for the development on the empty former bus depot site.

The company’s chief executive Michael Pemberton says it is “absolutely committed” to the project which will “bring substantial local benefit” and feels “the hotel planning proposal can be much improved”.

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie welcomed BEC’s “continued commitment” to the North Shore project. He said the council was “excited” to see a detailed planning application.