FORMERLY one of the most prestigious hotels on the Isle of Wight, a multi-million pound makeover could see Priory Bay transformed with tree houses, woodland retreats, a restaurant, farm shop and spa.

A planning application is due to be submitted to the Isle of Wight Council this Friday, to demolish the rear hotel extensions and East Cottage and build a two-storey extension to the existing hotel. Consent has also being sought for internal alterations to the property.

The plans include refurbishing the outbuildings to provide 14 hotel suites, a restaurant, bar and spa.

The application will also seek approval for 56 holiday lodges, ten tree houses, and 12 woodland retreats. The existing yurts would be removed and a gym, village barn and farm shop installed.

The swimming pool would be relocated and internal access roads, with parking, created.

Aria Resorts, which also owns Rookley Country Park, St Helens Holiday Park and holiday cottages in Colwell, bought the hotel in December.

The company has come under fire after caravan owners at Rookley and St Helens were given notice to quit the sites, to make way for their regeneration.

Priory Bay was marketed for £3 million after it was unable to pay its debts. Former owner, Covent Garden Soup Company co-founder Andrew Palmer, told the County Press he had since paid the debts personally.

Full details of the application are due to be posted on the Isle of Wight Council website this Friday.