The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has approved plans for a new five-star hotel close to Heathrow airport.

The 13-storey hotel, designed by architects Foster + Partners and being developed by Riva Properties, will contain 577 rooms and six pavilions linked by bridges and an entrance lobby with an elevated glass deck offering views down to the restaurant level and swimming pool. Facilities include a health suite and gym, a business centre, a 120-capacity ballroom, two auditoriums and a large conference room. The site's existing bowling alley will be incorporated into the hotel's ground floor and will be available to the public.

Grant Brooker, executive director at Foster + Partners, 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."