Following a battle with the council, Puxton Park has now been granted permission to build 120 on-site holiday lodges and the people of Weston look to be excited at the prospect of them.

The Mercury reported last week that Puxton Park initially had its application for the accommodation site rejected by North Somerset Council, but it has now been approved.

The adventure park includes features such as slides, soft play areas for children and a visitor farm and is hoping to bolster the number of holiday visitors with the new lodges.

Councillors were worried the proposal could ‘erode the overwhelming rural character’ of the area, due to increased traffic and light pollution.

However, plans were then approved after a planning inspector dismissed the concerns.

The news prompted a mixed reaction but a Mercury online poll suggested that the majority of people in Weston are happy with the development.

When asked if the lodges were a good idea, 68 per cent voted ‘yes, they will be great for tourism’ while 31 per cent voted ‘no, they don’t fit in with the rural environment’. Two per cent were not sure.

However, reaction to a Mercury Facebook post focused on the financial impact it may have on the town.

Readers seem to think it will not only draw more visitors to Weston, but also create more prospects for people already residing in the town.

Ian Rowland commented: “This is great news. Having a properly organised holiday attraction and accommodation all on one site will be good for Weston. It will bring more visitors, and money, to the area.

“Hopefully this will extend into a fully fledged holiday village.”

Tara Roberts is equally optimistic about the development and said: “I’m glad more people will be visiting Weston. There will also be some more jobs so it’s great news. I think Weston is becoming a much more attractive destination”

However, this view was not shared by Simon Griffin.

He said: “This will add to the nightmare of the traffic in and out of Weston at that junction.”

Puxton Park, half a mile from junction 21, is set to expand into a nearby field, with overnight accommodation being added to the current adventure park, shop, restaurant and visitor farm.

But Jules Hugh was left frustrated by the decision and commented: “It does seem our council has no say in the matter.”