A £3.5 MILLION Bodmin Moor leisure project has been given the go-ahead by council planners.

The proposal by the South West Lakes Trust will see a major re-vamp of the popular Siblyback Lake watersports, boating and angling centre.

Plans include construction of a new visitor centre, offices, multi-purpose function rooms, restaurant, cafe, new changing rooms, workshops and a two-bedroom staff flat.

Camping and barbecue areas will also be extended with a new pontoon, race starting platform, archery range and disabled toilet facilities.

The scheme includes the conversion of an existing garage to house a bio-mass plant room.

James Platts, South West Lakes Trust head of resource and planning, said: "This represents a major investment and is the largest single project the trust has undertaken so far.

"It is the rebirth of Siblyback and will secure its facilities, both as a valuable community resource for local communities and as a tourist destination, for the next 30 years."

Mr Platts said government, Rural Development Agency and Lottery funding was expected to be in place within the next 12 months.

"We have been greatly encouraged by the level of support the scheme has received from councillors and MP Dan Rogerson.

"It's seen as an important community sports resource and will give Cornwall's tourist industry a welcome extra boost," said Mr Platts.

Caradon planners last week approved the trust's application, despite a Natural England objection claiming there was insufficient information about the scheme's likely impact on protected wildlife.

Ward councillor Bob Emuss said: "Further information is required on certain aspects of the project, but it can only be a plus for Caradon.

"The project will raise the district's tourism profile, but it will also provide a valuable resource for schools, colleges and the wider community."

Councillor Derris Watson welcomed the proposal as 'good news' for Caradon.

"A main concern was the possibility that caravans would have been encouraged to visit the site via an unsuitable road."

He added: "But that is not the case with only tent camping permitted which will not add to traffic problems.

"The project is very definitely good news for the area. It is much more attractive than the present facilities at Siblyback and the new building will blend more with its surroundings."