AN application has been launched for a four-star 450-bed hotel beside The O2.

AEG Europe, which runs the Greenwich Peninsula venue, have submitted a detailed planning application to Greenwich Council.

The company promises state-of-the-art facilities and space at the hotel for events, including dining for 3,000 people.

Beside the hotel there would be a 23-storey block of serviced apartments.

AEG says it is working with a shortlist of potential operators for the hotel, which already has outline consent from the council.

Chief executive officer of AEG David Campbell said: “The O2 has already created more than 2,500 direct jobs in Greenwich.

“However the real economic prize for Greenwich and east London is adding overnight visitors."

Greenwich Council is due to consider the plans in April.