Revised plans for the demolition of Cox's Mill Hotel in Cheddar and the creation of a public open space in its place have been given the go-ahead by Sedgemoor District Council.

The revised planning application for the demolition of the existing hotel building, creation of new public open space and parking area at Cox's Mill Hotel, The Cliffs, Cheddar, was made by Longleat Estates Ltd.

Approval had previously been given for the demolition of the former hotel, but this latest application had been altered by not seeking changes to the watercourse and Cheddar Rising pond to create a water fall and pool.

This approval means that stage one of Longleat's plans for the site can proceed, with thoughts then turning to stage two, which is now improvements to the water course and the creation of a water feature.

Stage three is to extend the public square and to install a waterwheel and Archimedes screw with the potential to generate hydroelectric power from Cheddar Rising.

The final stage is to build a visitor centre next to the public square, including possible tourist accommodation and activity spaces.

The building dates from the mid 19th century and was constructed on the site of a former mill. It had operated as a hotel until 2007 but it has been empty since.

It is stated to be falling into disrepair from failing roof constructions and water ingress to the upper floors, with vandalism on the ground floor reportedly making the building unsafe.

In granting approval, the planning officer's report says: "The proposed demolition of the building is considered acceptable given it is not listed nor in a conservation area, nor considered suitably special as to be preserved.

"There are visual, landscape and tourism benefits which could arise from opening up the site which weigh heavily in favour of the proposal.

"As such permission is granted subject to conditions to mitigate the impact of demolition and to ensure a high quality finish to the proposal."