Plymouth City Council has denied planning permission for a hotel development on Drake's Island, UK, but said it wants to see investment on the island and will work with the developer to create more detailed plans for resubmission.

Rotolock Holdings had tabled proposals to convert a barrack block into a 25-room hotel and a casemated battery into 19-room hotel.

A heritage house was to become a bar and restaurant, while plans also included the refurbishment of a landing jetty, demolition of a boat house, and development of a spa, gym and swimming pool.

The application was denied at the council's planning committee meeting on 3 January, due to a lack of detail.

The island's buildings have been largely unused and fallen into a state of disrepair since the current owner bought it from the Crown in 1995.

According to planning documents, the 2.6ha island has been fortified since at least the 16th century and was a military base until after World War II.

During the consultation process concerns were raised about the development's impact on flood risk, local biodiversity, and noise from a proposed helipad and during construction.