despite objections.

DeVille Hotels now have permission for the eight storey "U'' shaped building next to Par-La-Ville car park, bringing a five-star hotel aimed at the business visitor.

The plans angered one hotelier, who believed it should have been scrapped because there wasn't enough business to go around for established accomodations.

Planning approval in principle was given by the Development Applications Board, with the priviso that the final details relating to the design of the site are submitted for approval.

In addition, Planning officials also want to see the details of the improvement scheme for Par-La-Ville park and what possible effect the construction, both before and after, will have on traffic flows.

Glynn Shouldice, of TG International Investments and Dawnay Day Hotels are behind the firm deVille Hotels Ltd. who is developing the site, said he hoped excavations would start by the early New Year.

"We are just keeping our fingers crossed,'' he said. "It is a big project and we have got alot of things to do.'' Completion date is set for December 31, 1999.

The complex is set to include a health club, restaurants, pool, shops and parking for 345 cars.

Previously, businessman Conrad Engelhardt claimed many hotels were struggling to survive, with low-occupancy rates causing millions in lost revenue.

But backers hit back, saying the complex was aimed at a niche in the market -- executives visiting the Island or working in the burgeoning international business sector.

Part of the scheme includes re-designing the entrance to Par-La-Ville park and moving the toilets.

In addition there will be road-widening and the entrance of the hotel will be set back on Church Street. A bistro will form the corner of Church Street and Par-la-Ville Road.

Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt said the permission was very good news and would add a landmark building to the centre of Hamilton.

And he added the city would not lose any car parking spaces, since the development would feature an underground car park.