Two new hotels are expected to provide a huge boost to business and tourism in a market town.

Business leaders welcomed the proposals for the budget hotels in Springfield Road and Worthing Road.

Ann Swain, of the Horsham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "We welcome hotels. They are desperately needed for visitors and particularly business people.

"Even if it is budget accommodation that is better than nothing. It will give people more choice.

"Horsham lends itself well to tourism. It's got a lot of activities, with good transport links and it's an attractive place to visit and stay in. Having hotels will bring such a boost to the local economy too.

"It's a missed opportunity at the moment and as a result people are having to find somewhere to stay outside the town."

The hotel proposals were submitted seperately by Thames River Guernsey Direct Property Holdings Ltd and Selits Ltd.

The first application proposes the conversions of offices at Springfield House, in Springfield Road, into an 83-bed hotel.

Discussions are underway to negotiate with budget operators including Premier Travel Inn, Campanile and Ibis to manage the facility.

The building would be adapted to create four disabled access bedrooms and parking would be provided for 42 vehicles.

The second bid proposes the conversion of the four storey Exchange House, in Worthing Road, into a 67-bed hotel operated by Travelodge. Alterations would be made to ensure four of the rooms are wheelchair accessible. The plans also include four shop spaces on the ground floor and a cafÈ.

The applications are due to be decided by Horsham District Council's north area planning committee tomorrow.

The proposals have been widely supported by other agencies concerned by the lack of tourist accommodation after the closure the Kings Head four years ago.

Horsham District Council cabinet member for leisure Brian Connelly said: "On first impressions we're thrilled and excited to have new hotels. I don't know why Horsham has struggled to keep its hotels. Property is very expensive or perhaps the right site hasn't come up. It's also very expensive to set up a hotel and most operators want to start from scratch so they can install en-suite bathrooms."

Town centre manager Garry Mortimer-Cook said about the Worthing Road application: "With the high volume of vacant office space available in the town and the low demand trend for its take-up, I believe a change of use is appropriate. It will also help stimulate the the type of night time economy trade that would also be of potential benefit to more mature local residents."