A massive portable hotel is set to make its way to Barrow after plans for it were approved by councillors.

The proposal for a 240-bedroom containerised worker accommodation and social space was given the green light at a meeting of Barrow Borough Council's Planning Committee at Barrow Town Hall this afternoon.

With the influx of work set to be made available for the Successor submarine programme at Barrow shipyard, Snoozebox is looking to provide budget accommodation for an increase in contractors in the area.

Councillor John Murphy said at the meeting that the granting of the portable accommodation is a sign of a promising future for Barrow.

He said: "It is nice to see that the activity is now starting and it promises a great future for Barrow In Furness and I think we should celebrate this."

The application was put forward by Snoozebox Holdings Ltd, who are endorsed by former F1 driver David Coulthard.

Snoozebox Holdings have also set up their facilities at major events such as the Moto GP and at Glastonbury music festival.

This project is based on the principle of kitting out shipping containers with a variety of facilities, and to provide temporary accommodation.

Bill McEwan, Borough Councillor for Ormsgill, said: "I thoroughly welcome it to the town.

"It is absolutely ideal and it will provide others with a great start to the area." 

Members of the planning committee accepted the planning officer's recommendation to grant the plans, on the condition that a travel plan can be put in place for a shuttle bus system for contractors and workers.

The site that the Snoozebox will be built on is at Woodbridge Haven, on Cavendish Dock Road in Barrow.

There is no clear date yet as to when work on the hotel will begin, but consent has been given for the site to be leased for ten years.