A MAJOR new hotel will be built at the key tourist attraction Bicester Heritage after it was given unanimous approval.

The 344-room hotel and conference centre will be the next project at the former RAF Bicester site, just five years after it was bought by its current owners who kickstarted its transformation.

Dan Geoghegan, Bicester Heritage's managing director, said the project was the 'next vital step' for it to take.

He said the new building will be 'unique' and will 'look like it should be there'.

The 'landmark' hotel will be a 'exciting and very positive contribution to the locality and the region,' Mr Geoghegan added.

He added that since the site was bought, more than 40 businesses have operated from there, with 35 of those being entirely new to Oxfordshire.

David Hughes, the chairman of Cherwell District Council's planning committee, said: “I think this is an important development because, as a town, we’ve always welcomed visitors but there has always been a limited capacity.

"There are visitors who would come to the events that are held and they would come for a day – but this gives them the opportunity to visit for the weekend.

He added: "As well as visiting Bicester Heritage and the airfield, they can also make use of the facilities and support businesses. It’s something I always very much welcome.”