A seafront hotel vacant since 2007 could be converted into 14 apartments.

Brighton and Hove City Council has handed over the 150-year lease of the Charter Hotel in King’s Road, Brighton, to an unnamed developer.

Hove-based Stuart Radley Associates, acting on behalf of Charter Apartments, have submitted plans which include adding another floor to the building.

A separate restaurant and nightclub are expected to provide jobs.

The council is keeping the identity of the developers a secret but said they had “an interested operated under a franchise agreement in Brighton and a similar operation in Hove.”

Neighbours are currently being consulted on the plans and a decision is expected to be made by June 7.