LONGLEAT has applied to build a new 240-room hotel, water park and business conference centre on the edge of its estate, near Warminster.

Located on a 89-acre site to the south of Tascroft Court, north of Cannimore Track and close to the A36 road, Longleat claims the proposed 'tourism hub' will address a growing need in Wiltshire for family-orientated tourist accommodation and will also incorporate a 'unique immersive animal experience' for its guests.

Bob Montgomery, CEO of Longleat Enterprises Limited, said: “We believe Longleat is uniquely placed to own and create a tourist destination that will help sustain the estate for future generations while being of benefit to all of the attractions within a 40-minute drive time from Warminster.

“We received a lot of support during our year-long consultation with our local communities and the key stakeholders in the county, so we are hopeful that the outline planning application currently with Wiltshire Council will be approved.”

Total visitor numbers are up at Longleat by over 20 per cent year on year and its Festival of Light this year showed a significant increase in attendance on the previous year.

Ken Windess, of Horningsham Parish Council, said: “It can only be good for the area; it will create employment, will not be an eyesore and won’t increase traffic by much.

“It’s all good news in my opinion and will be very exciting if approved.”

Phil Jefferson, chairman of Chapmanslade Parish Council, agreed with Mr Windess and said it would not increase traffic in the village.

David Andrews, chief executive of VisitWiltshire, said: “With the value of Wiltshire tourism up year on year, this is exactly the type of accommodation the region needs.

"Longleat are also extremely well placed to be the "hub" for those wishing to visit the historic cities, towns and many attractions Wiltshire has to offer.

“Our Wiltshire Futures Accommodation Study identified a significant shortage of many types of accommodation.

"It will be a huge boost to the local economy and to the job market to have a resort of this size and style on our doorstep.”