Up to 50 new jobs would be created in a multi-million-pound hotel planned for Whitehaven harbourside.

The seven-storey hotel - including 144 rooms and a bar/restaurant - is earmarked for the empty former bus depot site next to Tesco.

Also proposed is the conversion of the derelict former bus station opposite into a five-storey block of 47 apartments.

Carlisle-based firm North Associates is developing the scheme, on behalf of landowners Britain's Energy Coast (BEC), and a public drop-in session was held yesterday  to gauge local opinion.

The response was largely positive, although some questioned the demand for the hotel and apartments, while concern was raised about traffic and parking implications.

Julie Wynne, the development manager at North Associates, said that talks were ongoing with hotel firms to develop the site.

"We've done a viability study which shows that we need around 150 rooms to attract large hotel firms, and we've got that here.

"The next stage for us is to get outline planning permission - after taking on the feedback received today - and we'd look to reach an agreement with a hotelier to take the scheme forward at that stage."

The hotel proposed is slightly higher than its neighbouring buildings, Pears House and Blencathra House.

Including a shop and gym on site, its bar/restaurant would open out onto the harbour.

Parking for hotel guests would be in a soon-to-be-converted 203-space site, between the harbourside and Tesco, for which BEC has already received planning permission.

The apartment block would feature a "modern take on the Georgian architecture of the bus station and the town," said North Associates.

With a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, there will be 35 car parking spaces on site with priority given to those in the two-bed units. 

A communal garden is also included. If outline planning permission is given, BEC has the option to develop the site itself or work with or sell to a specialist developer.

Among those viewing the plans was Phil Kitchin, of Herbert Hill, whose home would back onto the apartment block.

He said: "I'm pleased to see the bus station site developed as it's been an eyesore for too long - but the height could be a problem for us as we currently have lovely views from everywhere in our house."

Paul Crooks, of Inkerman Terrace, added: "The plans for the apartments are interesting, and it's hoped that the final build can match the design.

"But I'm not sure about the hotel. Is Whitehaven ready for a seven-storey hotel?"

Muir Lachlan, of Ennerdale, said the "beautiful historic frontage of the bus station merits being retained".

Also viewing the plans was Copeland mayor Mike Starkie.

He said: "The benefits of the hotel - and the knock-on boost to the town - would be massive.

It shows that things are starting to move with some momentum and there's a real determination to change the look of the town for the better."

The bus station was opened in 1931 and was only the second covered station in the UK at that time. It closed in 2002.