Longleat safari park

Longleat secures planning for 240-room hotel and water park



Longleat has had plans approved to build a new 240-room hotel on its estate near Warminster.


Wiltshire Council has granted planning permission for the development – which will also include a water park and conference facilities – subject to views of Highways England on the impact of the proposed scheme on the road network.

Longleat currently attracts around one million annual visitors to its estate with attractions including the world-famous safari park.

The approval provides the green light for development which is expected to boost the local economy and create 300 new jobs.

“The decision to approve our application is a huge boost to Longleat’s long-term future, for Wiltshire and our local town and village communities,” said Bob Montgomery, CEO of Longleat Enterprises Limited.

“We've still a little way to go and are working to secure Highway England's final view on the impact of our proposals to the strategic road network in the area, but are confident this will be concluded soon.  

“We believe the hotel will enable Longleat to develop and grow over the coming years and will provide a new tourism hub for the area, which will create many more jobs and attract new investment.”

The proposed hotel will incorporate a unique and intimate animal experience for its guests as well as much-needed business and conference facilities.

“We have over 3,000 business clients, from small businesses to large corporates,” said Mandy Paterson of Inspire, who represent the Chambers of Commerce across Wiltshire.

“Feedback from these clients – particularly those larger businesses – are that the county has a dearth of appropriate business conference facilities, or hotels able to offer delegates accommodation for more than 120 delegates.

“Businesses currently have no option but to go outside of the county for appropriate hotel and conference facilities for larger meetings.

“This application therefore carries the unreserved support of Inspire and our member businesses.”



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