Alton Towers founder gets Cornwall resort go-ahead

Cornwall Council approved the plans next to the former Crealy Adventure Park near Wadebridge

A so-called "six star" holiday resort to be developed by Alton Towers founder John Broome has been given planning approval in Cornwall.

John Broome plans to build more than 200 lodges, a "tropical pool", restaurants and an activities centre, near Wadebridge.

He said the Camel Creek resort would create nearly 1,000 jobs.

Cornwall Council approved the plans, which critics said would overburden local roads.

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Camel Creek Resort will be next to the former Crealy Adventure Park.

Building is expected to start next February and will take three years.

"This gives Cornwall another world-class destination," said Mr Broome.

"With the Eden Project, hopefully the Spaceport and now Camel Creek Resort, the area can shift out of the pattern of seasonal employment and low wages into a high-tech and upmarket future.

"We will be creating 997 permanent jobs at Camel Creek with at least double that in our supply chain.

Adam Tomlinson, who owns the Old Mill Bistro a few miles away, said: "I just don't think the area needs it.

"The roads around here can't support the volume they will need to survive."