And developer Jan Von Draczek, director of Korvin Developments, believes the hotel could be a symbol of the rebirth of Long Sutton.

He said: "Long Sutton can reinvent itself.

"It has got all the trademarks of a classic renaissance market town and the hotel and developments Korvin is undertaking are all part of a town positively moving forward, creating careers, attractions and facilities few other local towns will have."

Jan believes that while many similar towns have their heart and soul drained by progress in the modern world, Long Sutton will keep its character.

He said: "We want to attract local residents as much as the region's tourists and the business community – a local service but with national acclaim.

"It will have a friendly, accessible feel."

His vision for the town involves a second phase of planning to complement the hotel, with 27 apartments overlooking Winfrey Park to bring a boost to the economy.

Sale of some of the flats will then fund extra work to the hotel, such as a lift and stairwell a ground floor restaurant and excavation of the cellars.

Jan believes that the way forward is to promote the best features of Long Sutton.

Work around the grade II listed Bull Hotel can be a catalyst for regeneration.

Now all that is needed is for South Holland District Council's planners to see things the same way.

Jan said: "I believe that if our proposals are accepted and we can commence work on the apartments it will kickstart the local economy and bring future investment, jobs and growth to the town.

"I believe strongly that the opportunities for Long Sutton to be a winner are manifold but we must make it happen."