Plans for the development of a new four-star hotel adjacent to the O2 Arena in Greenwich, South London, have received the green light from councillors.

AEG Europe, the operator of the O2 Arena, submitted its plans in February for the 452-bedroom hotel, which will also include 100 serviced apartments overlooking the Thames. The Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands-designed hotel is to boast a ballroom and special events space; a restaurant; a 447sq m (4,811sq ft) health spa and meeting rooms.

Eco-friendly measures are to be included in the development of the new hotel, such as a green 'living' roof and solar panels to produce energy for the venue. Denise Hyland, cabinet member for regeneration, enterprise and skills at Greenwich Council, said: "Greenwich Peninsula continues in its transformation with the prospect of this new development.

"This will be the first four-star-plus hotel east of Tower Bridge on this side of the river and will have a ballroom double the size of the Grosvenor Hotel in London." The plans will now go before the mayor of London for approval.