WARMINSTER Town Council has backed Longleat’s plans to build a 240-room hotel with a water park and conference facilities.

The plans were discussed by the planning advisory committee on Monday night, where councillors welcomed the proposals but raised concerns over a potential increase in traffic down Victoria Road, West Street and Vicarage Road.

At the meeting Geoffrey Wheating, of Longleat Enterprises Limited, explained how the development would benefit the local community with the growth of local business providing more employment.

If approved the hotel will be a standalone facility, entirely separate from the safari park.