PLANS to ‘improve the aesthetic’ of a four-star Christchurch hotel have been approved.

Christchurch Harbour Hotel has been granted listed building consent for works to alter its exterior. 

These include repainting of the front of the hotel and the attached ancillary buildings to the north, and the repainting of timber windows and doors.

Harbour Hotels Ltd said the works will result in a similar but “improved aesthetic” for the hotel, and will not “materially affect the external appearance of the building”.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the hotel said: “The existing paint is flaking and in poor condition in parts and requires addressing prior to further deterioration.

“It is intended that the entire front facade be repainted to improve the aesthetic of the building and to ensure it remains in good condition, weather tight and protect the elevation of the building from further deterioration.”

In recommending the scheme for approval, a planning officer said the scheme was 'considered to preserve the significance of the listed building and Mudeford Quay Conservation Area’.