A HOTEL has welcomed the news of a water park resort coming to the Bicester area despite previous controversy over the impact it would have on the site.

Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa in Chesterton will be Great Wolf Lodge's next-door neighbour once it is eventually built.

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The hotel, which currently has an 18-hole golf course, will lose nine of its western holes due to the resort being built on part of its land.

After the news of the planning inspector giving the resort the green light, hotel manager Paul Morgan says he is happy with the plans.

He said: "Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa are delighted to hear of the approval for the Great Wolf Resorts planning appeal to develop the UK’s first Great Wolf Resort.

"It’s been a difficult year for everyone across the world with the Covid 19 pandemic and it is encouraging to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

"The decision to grant this new venture brings with it a positive outlook for the future of Bicester as one of England’s premier destinations."

The manager says Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa is working to be part of this growth and has 'evolved' its business in many 'versatile' ways with the most recent development being a 200-metre outdoor swimming lake, assault course, performance gym and café.

Great Wolf Lodge: Water park resort to be built near Bicester

As part of this, the hotel is looking to create a new nine-hole golf course once Great Wolf Lodge is built.

Mr Morgan added: "An outline plan includes a newly designed nine-hole 18 tee course, a par 3, nine-hole academy area and includes an updated driving range and family facility.

"We look forward to encouraging the new golfer to be able to get into the sport and enjoy their time when here.

"Whilst we look forward to the future we also recognise, and would thank all of our loyal golf members for their patience during the past few years, I am sure they will also enjoy the challenges of a new-style course and practice facilities."

Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa is used by hotel guests for leisure as well as Bicester Golf Club members.

The club opposed the resort's plans saying it would be harmful in respect to golf provision in the Bicester area and Cherwell district.

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It proposed that Cherwell District Council purchase the golf club from the hotel and run it as a municipal course.

The council also agreed that the loss of half of the existing golf course will result in a 'worsening' in the shortage of golf provision in the Bicester area.

Details as to when the resort will be built is yet to be revealed.

There are rumours that the hotel owner has sold part of the land to resort operator Great Wolf Resorts for £10million, but the hotel has not confirmed this and said it was 'unable to comment any further on this matter'.

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