Wookey Hole Caves in Wells, Somerset, will be the site of a new 58-room hotel after the local district council gave the project planning permission.

Gerry Cottle – who has owned the caves since 2003 – will invest £3.5m on the property, to be called the Wookey Hotel.

“I know there are some smashing small hotels and B&Bs locally,” said Mr Cottle. “But there was nowhere able to cope with full-on family accommodation requirements of a major tourist attraction, as Wookey Hole has now become.”

The two-storey hotel will feature themed rooms, a bar and restaurant and easy access to the rest of Wookey Hole’s attractions.

The hotel is expected to be completed by Easter 2009.