The hospice is expected to cost �15m to build

It had raised concerns that the hospice, planned for the Charlton Farm on the Wraxhall Estate, could be on greenbelt land and was a departure from the North Somerset local plan.

But the Children's Hospice South West, which will run the centre, said in a statement: "The Secretary of State has decided not to intervene in the planning process."

"This follows the unanimous vote for recommendation of the plans from North Somerset Council on 17 April," it continued.

Spring 2006

The proposals will now be developed further and put out to tender.

It is thought the hospice will cost �15m to build, with �2m already granted by The Bristol Starfish Trust and the John James Bristol Foundation.

It is hoped the hospice will be open by spring 2006.

The only children's hospice in the region currently, is in Barnstaple, north Devon.