Bassetlaw Council planning officers have received an application which would see the pub and restaurant, on Sandy Lane, become one of the largest hotels in the area.

“Ultimately, our aim is to provide a relaxing and happy environment for everyone to enjoy,” said Ed Hancock, estates director of Marston’s Inns and Taverns, who own the Lock Keeper.

The premises, which were built in the 1990s, currently consist of a pub and restaurant, a redundant indoor children’s play barn and staff living accommodation on the first floor.

The proposals to transform the pub involve the demolition and removal of the existing children’s play barn that is currently on site outside the pub. The development, which would cover nearly 900 square metres, would comprise of 24 en suite bedrooms, which would cover two floors.

There would also be a meeting room as well as utility and linen storage rooms on the ground floor. Access to the hotel would be linked to the existing pub next door via a reception area.

And if the plans are given the green light by the council, the children’s play area would be moved to a lawned area outside the pub’s main entrance.

“At Marston’s Inns and Taverns, we always try to improve important local pubs and welcome input from the local community,” said Mr Hancock.

The plans also include the realignment of the existing road that provides access to the rear of the property from the car park.

And in the planning application submitted to the council, which was put together by White Young and Green, it is stated that visitors would be drawn to the hotel because of the surrounding tourist attractions, including the Chesterfield Canal – which runs next to the pub – Clumber Park, Creswell Crags and Sherwood Forest.

And it is also claimed that people in business would be attracted to the meeting room in the hotel, which could be easily accessed by the nearby M1.

It is stated that there are only 121 bed spaces on offer to tourists throughout the urban area of Worksop, adding that there is a sizeable hole in the market for a hotel in the area.