FORMER media tycoon Eddy Shah has been given the go-ahead to build £3.5 million new hotel and leisure complex in Wootton Bassett.

His company, Messenger Leisure Limited, bought the Wiltshire Golf and Country Club one year ago. The company has already invested £100,000 on the golf course.

It now has planning permission after an agreement with Wiltshire County Council to pay for the construction of two bus shelters and lay-bys.

Building work is due to begin at the end of July and Mr Shah hopes the leisure complex will be open to members by the start of next year.

The renovations will mean the addition of a 49-bedroom hotel, a bar, a restaurant, a function room suitable for hosting weddings, a new reception, a crche, a large swimming pool, new changing rooms and a gym area.

Mr Shah, 58, who brought colour technology to the Today newspaper, got into the golf course business seven years ago.

He said: "I love the golf course. It has had a chequered history but I loved the location and the idea for a community club.

"The club is perched on top of a hill so the views are all going to be great. Members will be able to use the gym and swimming pool and look out at the Wiltshire countryside at the same time.

"It will be very much for local people. We are aiming at the middle market, we want to keep the rates down and not too expensive but provide a top quality club."

Mr Shah runs his company with wife, Jennifer, who was brought up in the Winterbournes.