LORD Lansdowne's controversial plans to build a multi-million pound flagship hotel and leisure complex on his Bowood Estate are to 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 new jobs.

The development will have conference facilities, and a health and leisure centre complete 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 Bowood Estate, but conservationists fought to stop it going ahead, claiming it would devastate the 2,000 acre Capability Brown-designed Bowood Park.

But English Heritage's objections were over-ruled on Wednesday night when north Wiltshire district councillors decided it could go ahead.

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

Lord Lansdowne said: "Obtaining planning permission is a major step in our plans to develop Bowood's position as one of the most prestigious golfing venues in Britain and to provide north Wiltshire with a top hotel and conference venue.

"I am confident that we will be able to enter a partnership with one of the leading hotel operators who will see Bowood as a flagship venue. Our long-term plan has always been to build a quality hotel alongside the golf course.

"Approval of the plans follows several months of discussions with local planning officers to ensure the development provides significant economic benefits for north Wiltshire, while ensuring the long-term future of Bowood."

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 develop it further.

Plans to extend the existing nine-hole course to 18 holes have gone to the district council.

The hotel scheme was delayed while the Government Office for the South West decided whether it should be determined by the Secretary of State. The council was given the go-ahead last month to make the decision.

English Heritage claimed the hotel would be visible from sensitive parts of the Grade I listed park, including the mausoleum.

It said: "We see no justification for a building of this size in a Grade I landscape. We advise in the strongest possible terms that the application be refused."