Hotel’s green light for extension

EXTENSION go-ahead for Saddleworth Hotel

A SADDLEWORTH hotelier is forecasting a new era for local tourism after being granted planning permission to extend his hotel.

Anthony Baker (78), has been given permission to build an 18-bedroom, three-storey annexe at the Saddleworth Hotel.

The news came shortly after family and friends threw a surprise party to celebrate Mr Baker’s 50 years of running the hotel, which sits on the main A62 Oldham-Huddersfield road on the outskirts of Delph.

Mr Baker has spent a lifetime developing the hotel into a luxury, four-star operation with a spa, banquet and conference facilities accommodating up to 400 guests.

Speaking after the party, he said: “I didn’t realise how much everyone around me appreciated the triumph of 50 years of successful business.”

The extension will be constructed in natural stone and slate opposite the main entrance, next to the existing car park. Construction is expected to begin early next year.