Thousands of people visit Stonehenge every year

Proposals to build the 120-room hotel three miles from the ancient stones sparked outrage from countryside campaigners.

But planning officials in Wiltshire decided to allow the development because of a lack of tourist accommodation within easy reach of the historic site.

The plans, which will swallow up a 160-acre area of countryside off the A303 near Amesbury, will also include a roadside service station.

Conservationists worried

Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Stonehenge every year.

But for many, a lack of accommodation in the area means it is difficult to find somewhere to stay nearby.

Salisbury District Council wants to change this, and hopes the new hotel will go some way to improving the situation.

But their decision to approve the plan has angered conservationists, who say greenfield sites should not be built on.