Plans to build a 60-room hotel in the grounds of Warwick Castle look set to get the green light despite the objections of locals.

Nearly 100 objections have already been made to the application which would see a two-storey hotel built inside a conservation area.

But Warwick District Council officers have said permission should be granted.

A council report said: "Sufficient justification has been presented by the applicant which sets out a range of public benefits associated with the development and this is considered to outweigh the level of harm identified."

The report also said that the castle's owner Merlin Group will have to carry out a noise impact survey before the hotel can be built.

Adding: "The public benefits arising from these proposals have been considered and officers are satisfied that in this particular instance, a sufficiently clear and convincing argument has been demonstrated which outweighs the degree of harm identified."

Guests can already stay in the castle's Knight's Village and Ceaser's Tower Suites

The plans also include the extension of the Knight's Village restaurant and nn elevated walkway to join the hotel to the restaurant.

In the 91 objections made to the application concerns have been raised about overdevelopment, the environmental impact and noise.

The impact on parking has also been raised given the hotel will be be built on part of the Stratford Road Car Park.

A further 12 supporting comments have also been made, including one from Warwick Chamber of Trade.

The chamber said: "Warwick Castle is a major contributor to the economy of the town. We know a significant number of visitors to the Castle visit the town particularly those staying overnight.

"Warwick is a major tourist destination but we have a shortage of hotel accommodation and this hotel will help address this to the benefit of the Castle and the future prosperity of the town."

The castle already provides accommodation through 31 glamping pods in the £5million Knight's Village as well as the £569-a-night Caesar's Tower Suites.

WDC's planning committee will discuss the plans next week to decide whether or not to grant planning permission.