Conservative councillors on Exmouth Town Council have backed plans for a 60-bedroom Premier Inn on Exmouth seafront.
Following a public consultation, Whitbread-owned Premier Inn confirmed it made a "number of changes" in response to comments received by Exmouth residents.
The hotel chain won the bidding process launched by East Devon District Council to purchase and redevelop the site as part of the authority's regeneration vision.
Several members of the public spoke against the planning application for the Elizabeth Hall site owned by the district council, raising a multitude of concerns including the potential loss of the access path to the rear of the site.
Concerns were also raised about the loss of the public toilets, however the hotel chain has said it will allow the public to use conveniences in the new building. On behalf of the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce, chairman Ian MacQueen, spoke in favour of the proposals.
He said the group was backing the hotel's arrival in the town because of the job prospects, that the chain had vowed to source products locally and because of the potential for business people staying in the town returning with family.
Members of the planning committee voted, with all six Tory councillors voting in favour, and the four Lib Dems voting against the plans.
The district council will make a final ruling on whether the scheme can go ahead.
