AN £11m, four-star business hotel could be opened at Newcastle International Airport if planning permission is granted.

Newcastle International Airport and Rostock Investments are applying for planning permission for the hotel.

The development is expected to create dozens of jobs, but last night a spokeswoman for the airport said she could not find out exactly how many jobs would be on site.

Plans have been submitted to Newcastle City Council for a business-style hotel that will be run by the Ramada Group.

The hotel will comprise 187 bedrooms, a restaurant, bar, pool, conference facilities and meeting rooms.

Graeme Mason, airport planning development and facilities manager, said: "We have conducted research which shows that due to the rapid growth of the airport over the past few years, there is increased demand for high quality accommodation at the airport.

"We are delighted to have attracted a world-class hotel chain to help us meet the needs of some of the five million passengers who now use our airport every year. As our passenger numbers and route networks continue to increase, it's important that we continue to upgrade and add to our existing facilities."