PLANS for Heathrow's first five-star hotel at the old Airport Bowl have been given a nod of approval by the Mayor of London.

The 13-storey glass shell hotel, developed by Riva Properties, was given planning permission by Hillingdon Council in February, and last week Boris Johnson gave his backing.

The hotel will be built on Bath Road, Harlington, and will be unique in that several of its levels will be built into the ground, ensuring it is in keeping with other buildings in the area.

The hotel also incorporates a health centre with a pool, gym, saunas and treatment rooms, as well as a bowling alley to represent its links with the community.

Grant Brooker, executive director at Foster + Partners who designed the hotel, said: "This will be the first five-star hotel in the immediate vicinity of Heathrow and marks a key stage in the area's transformation.

"We have enjoyed great support and encouragement from local residents, businesses and the Borough of Hillingdon and we believe that the hotel’s wide range of facilities will ensure that it plays a vital role in serving both international travellers and the local community."

The building of the hotel will create 600 jobs, 450 of which are full-time.