Plans for the development of a £350m leisure and sports destination near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, have been given the green light by the local government office.

The YES! Project, which is being led by Oak Holdings and will cover a 327-acre (132-hectare) site next to Rother Valley Country Park, was given the go-ahead by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) in May. An existing section 106 agreement will be linked with the current planning permission after the government authorised the development, which will be carried out in phases and will include a multi-purpose sports facility.

A hotel, convention centre and spa; bars; restaurants; and extreme sports provision are also mooted, while Rother Valley Country Park - acquired by Oak Holdings in 2009 - will also be incorporated into the scheme. Oak Holdings chief executive Steve Lewis said: "This is a strategic step forward for the company and, indeed, the region. The consent demonstrates Oak's commitment to the YES! Project and this major regeneration leisure project, allowing us to proceed with renewed confidence."