Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC) has approved plans for the development of a new £250,000 Go Ape forest adventure course at Itchen Valley Country Park in West End, Hampshire.

The facility, which will boast five separate sections featuring ladders, bridges and walkways, will form part of the company's plans to launch seven new courses during 2010. EBC's Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee approved plans for the course, subject to the completion of a Biodiversity Management Plan and a range of other conditions.

Keith House, EBC leader, said: "This is an exciting proposal to provide a terrific adventure and fitness activity to attract more people to the country park and benefit from our natural environment at the same time." Ben Davies, Go Ape business development manager, added: "We look forward to working with the community to creating a resource for the people of Southampton and Eastleigh."

Go Ape recently announced plans to open seven parks across the UK in March 2010 as part of the company's efforts to open 40 sites by 2012, including two additional sites in Wales and a second course in Scotland.