PLANS to build a multi-million pound cliff top hotel at Burton Bradstock have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

The 22-bedroomed hotel will replace the existing Burton Cliff Hotel and will offer nostalgia holidays - turning the clock back to the days of the Famous Five and E.Nesbit.

Burton Bradstock resident Barbara James told West Dorset District Council's planning committee that the three-story hotel should attract foreign visitors.

"People in China and Taiwan are being taught about our heritage coast.

"There's a great need for a hotel where they can eat and drink and view the Dorset coast," she said.

Some 57 letters were received supporting the application from business partners Mary-Lou Sturridge and Anthony Mackintosh.

Amongst them was the hotel's famous next door neighbour - singer and political activist Billy Bragg.

He told the committee: "My partner and I would like to register our support…we believe that the new hotel would bring substantial benefits to the area in terms of facilities and employment.

"While the new hotel would clearly be of benefit to tourism in West Dorset we also believe that it would benefit the villagers of Burton Bradstock, helping to fill the gap left by the demise of the Dove public house a few years ago."

Senior planning officer Andrew Martin said the existing building had been "heavily disfigured" by a series of changes over the years.

He said an extra gable was added to the roof as part of the recommendation to improve the appearance of the new building.

It is hoped to have the new hotel and its public restaurant open by the Spring of 2011.