LORD Lansdowne's controversial plans to build a multi-million pound hotel and leisure complex on his Bowood Estate will go ahead.

Now the Marquis will begin talks with potential hotel partners to build and operate the 120-room four-star hotel complex, which will create around 100 jobs.

The development will have conference facilities, and a health and leisure centre with spa and swimming pool.

It will be built alongside the golf and country club on the estate, near Chippenham.

Lord Lansdowne said the hotel was vital to securing the long-term future of his family's estate, but conservationists have fought to stop it going ahead, claiming it would devastate the 2,000 acre park, designed by Capability Brown.

English Heritage's object-ions were over-ruled this week when North Wiltshire district councillors decided the plan could go ahead.

Securing a top-quality hotel to attract more visitors to the district has long been one of the council's priorities.

The estate's golf course is already ranked as one of the 10 best in the country, and is among the top 50 in Europe.

Now the Marquis plans to further develop it, extending the existing nine-hole course to 18 holes.