WORK to transform Drake's Island into a £10million luxury hotel resort is likely to start in spring next year.

Detailed proposals have now been submitted to Plymouth City Council for planning approval by Dan McCauley's Rotolok (Holdings) Ltd.

Sean Swales, group finance director for Rotolok (Holdings) Ltd, believes councillors will rule on the scheme in April and work will begin on site early next year.

The ambitious scheme for the island – dubbed the 'Jewel in Plymouth's crown' – includes a high-quality 44-bedroom boutique hotel, a bar, restaurant, and a swimming pool and spa.

The new complex will also be served by a new jetty and ferry service, and the public will be offered limited access.

"We're optimistic of getting a positive outcome," said Mr Swales

"The response to the plan has been overwhelmingly positive. We're now going to keep everything crossed to get planning permission.

"We are anticipating it going to planning committee in April. And we think a spring start next year on site is now more likely once we have gone through the whole tender process and everything."

Mr Swales said while the firm had hoped to submit the planning application before Christmas, he stressed that it has been important to get the scheme right.

"The planning application process has taken a lot longer than we anticipated for whatever reason," he added.

"There has been a lot of detail has had to be worked up.

"We have thrown an awful lot of money at preparing this application. It's a big investment and the scheme is much different this time."

Mr McCauley has talked of redeveloping the island ever since buying it in 1995.

The latest planning application, put together by city architects Lacey Hickie Caley, reveals that 50 full-time jobs are likely to be created with island bosses looking to recruit from the "local area".

A heritage impact assessment states: "A new use for the island must be found that will both repair and ensure the future welfare of what are considered to be a unique collection of structures and buildings, if they are not to suffer further damage."

It adds that the 'wow' factor of the luxury hotel complex should prove to be a "viable" business which will repair and maintain the islands assets.