The pottery company said the hotel, proposed to be built in Barlaston, would create more than 100 jobs.

The submitted planning application is for a 90 bedroom hotel.

But concerns over the green belt land have been raised while Barlaston Parish Council is said to be concerned about extra traffic.

But investment group, Instaffs, and the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce say they support the plans because it would help tourism and encourage investment.

Earlier this year, the firm - one of the last big makers of bone china - shut part of its operation in Barlaston for a week because stock levels were not falling fast enough.