A DEVELOPER has revived controversial plans to build an iconic high-rise hotel in Glasgow after the original proposals were branded "hideous".

Councillors threw out an application for a multi-million pound, 20-storey tower in Jamaica Street last year after blasting its "ghastly" design.

Hotel giant Staybridge has now relaunched a bid to create luxury long-stay suites after architects redesigned the building.

Under revised proposals, black and silver aluminium panels have been replaced by dark red sandstone and granite.

A glass tower will have four star suites which have fully equipped kitchens and access to a grocery shopping service.

The building would replace an empty 1960s office block between MacSorley's pub and the Jury's Inn.

It's understood the proposals were redesigned following talks with senior planners at Glasgow City Council and Staybridge's agents City Site Estates.

Last October, planning officials backed the development and it was thought the new hotel - the first of its kind in Scotland - would get the green light.

But in a shock move seven opposition councillors and one Labour councillor joined forces to block the plan.

The original building design, described by a senior planner as "a slick modern building", was made up of mainly glass and steel with a metallic black finish.

Tory councillor David Meikle said at the time: "This is not good enough for Scotland because the design is hideous ghastly."

Staybridge is part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group.

The redesigned application has been lodged with Glasgow City Council and the matter is expected to be heard before the summer.