ONE of York's finest hotels says it must build an extension if it is to secure its long-term future.

The Churchill Hotel has submitted a planning application to build a 26-bedroom extension and new dining room at its Bootham premises.

The hotel says its current rooms "barely sustain viability" and that the extension, which will necessitate the demolition of two rear wings and a conservatory at the listed building, is required to "secure the hotel's long-term future".

On its website, The Churchill markets itself as one of York's "finest and most luxurious hotels".

Its rooms are individually decorated and it has a fully-licensed restaurant offering a variety of wedding styles.

The hotel is hugely popular with wedding parties, with the grounds often playing host to a summer reception.

Along with hotels such as The Grange and the Hilton, The Churchill has a reputation for being one of York's plushest hotels and is a favourite with tourists and business parties. But in an application for listed building consent, the hotel reveals its need for more space. The plans, which are being handled by York agent David Chapman Associates, also claim that the hotel's current dining "facilities are limited in size and the relationship to the kitchen is not perfect".

The Churchill is a converted Georgian house which retains many of its original features. It was originally built in about 1830 and, at one time, was run as a "school for young ladies".

It has also been in Government hands. Before it became a hotel, it passed between various departments including Customs and Excise.

The present owners bought the property in 1986 and undertook extensive alterations to restore it to its former glory.

When the Evening Press phoned The Churchill, no one was available to comment on the plans.

Updated: 10:17 Monday, August 15, 2005