Legoland Windsor allowed to build on greenbelt land

Legoland Windsor Resort has been given the go-ahead to build on greenbelt land.

The theme park in Berkshire wants to create a new drop tower ride and a main attraction building on land on the outskirts of the current site.

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead councillors approved the decision on Wednesday night.

Planners said "special circumstances" had outweighed the "harm to the greenbelt".

They added "there are a number of economic benefits in respect of the tourism economy, employment and operational spend".

The redevelopment will focus on the Adventure Land area of the park, including play equipment, a seating area and a "photo opportunity building".

Legoland had previously been granted planning permission for a new development on greenbelt land but decided to pursue its latest plan at an alternative location to allow the park to remain open during the work.

The theme park said it hoped to finish the works for 2021.

Thomas Jellum, divisional director at the Legoland Windsor Resort, said: "The plans, as now approved, include a new indoor ride. This is important as it will help us to spread our guest numbers throughout the year, instead of mainly during the summer.

"This attraction alone with create around 20 new jobs."