Boringdon Hall Hotel, on the edge of Dartmoor national park in Devon, has been given the go ahead for its three storey spa development.

Set into the hillside to minimise the impact on the landscape, the 1,610sq m (17,300sq ft) spa will have 12 treatment rooms, a swimming pool, whirlpools, a fitness suite, relaxation lounges and a “spatisserie” café.

The spa will be open to both guests and non-residents.

Hotel director James Nettleton said: “I am extremely happy with the plans for the new spa and I am looking forward to building work commencing next year. It will be an asset to Plymouth and will help to attract people to the area. It is hoped the new luxury spa will help bring year-round tourism and year-round business to the local businesses in Plympton and Plymouth.”

Building work is scheduled to start towards the end of 2013, ready for the launch a year later.

The Nettleton Group acquired the hotel in January 2011 and has already spent £1m on upgrading the rooms. The group also owns The Bay Hotel and The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay.