First it was the Premier Inn – now it is budget hotel chain Travelodge that could be coming to Exmouth.

Hotel bosses have written to district council bosses, proposing that they take advantage of a special, low interest, government urban regeneration loan to build a hotel in the town.

The news follows the recent demolition of the Elizabeth Hall to make way for a new Premier Inn.

An outline planning application for a new seafront ‘Splash Zone’ has now been submitted for consideration. This plan includes the possibility of a second hotel on a site currently occupied by a children’s play area, behind the old lifeboat house.

Paul Harvey, managing director for property at Travelodge Hotels, said: “If East Devon has suitable land or assets in a location that is viable for a Travelodge hotel, then we would be delighted to work with them to help boost their local economy, create new jobs within the community and generate a good return for their investment.”

A spokesman for East Devon District Council said: “It is very encouraging to see increasing interest in Exmouth from new hoteliers and we will consider approaches that fit within the Exmouth Vision; the town’s masterplan that has been widely consulted upon and is now being implemented.

“We have only just been approached by Travelodge so any detailed response would be premature. We will examine their proposals in detail.”