PEOPLE will soon be able to take in panoramic 360 views of the city while sipping a cocktail thanks to the approval of plans.

Salisbury’s Cathedral Hotel on Milford Street is set to re-open next year following a “massive” refurbishment, as applicant Larasian had plans approved to renovate the vacant building into a five-star boutique hotel.

13 suites, an al fresco restaurant and a rooftop ‘Spitfire Bar’ are all to be created, alongside 28 new jobs.

The plans underwent two years of negotiations between Larasian and Wiltshire Council.

Planning permission was eventually agreed despite concerns from planning officers that the rooftop bar would breach Salisbury 40ft rule which restricts developments and extensions obstructing views of Salisbury Cathedral – except in certain circumstances.

After planning was agreed, Larasian owner Brian Currie said: “This development has been a long-time in the making. I’m delighted with the decision.”

READ MORE: Salisbury FC to donate ALL of its bar sales next season to homeless charity Alabaré

PICTURES: Actress Olivia Colman brings smiles to children at Salisbury Hospital

The Spitfire bar pays homage to workers in Wiltshire who worked on components for the aircraft in the city, as 2,500 Spitfires were built in secrecy in Salisbury during the Second World War after the Southampton factory was bombed.

And it was also inspired by Mr Currie’s parents, who met making Spitfire components as part of the ‘secret Spitfire’ operation.

Picture: Larasian

The Spitfire Bar will be a glazed rooftop bar enabling visitors to see a 360-panorama of Salisbury with views of five ‘spires’: Salisbury Arts Centre, St Martin’s Church, Salisbury Cathedral, St Thomas’ Church and Salisbury United Reformed Church, as well as Old Sarum.

A quarter scale Spitfire model, which will eventually be positioned at the top of the staircase leading to the rooftop bar, is already displayed in the front window of the grade II listed building and can be seen through the window in Milford Street.

Several features of the original hotel in Milford Street were altered or removed in 1929, including large parts of the rear façade.

However, the mid-18th century staircase is currently substantially intact and will become the centrepiece of the ground floor.