A plan to expand the Highbullen Hotel & Country Club as part of a large-scale investment has been approved by North Devon Council’s planning committee.

The plan will see a further 58 holiday lodges and 16 bedroom extensions added to the hotel.

Frank Chapman, the owner of the hotel, has already invested £8.8m in the complete refurbishment of the property’s existing facilities, a new wedding venue and a conference centre.

Planning approval will allow additional investment to be made to improve the quality of accommodation.

The planned development is expected to create a further 25 jobs on site.

David Tearle, general manager of the hotel, said: “Highbullen has benefitted from significant investment under the new ownership since 2012 which has resulted in a string of regional and international awards.

“This decision will help Highbullen take its place as a destination hotel and somewhere North Devon can be proud of.”