Plans for a new attraction at Alton Towers have been given the go ahead but the resort's bosses are staying tight lipped about what it will be.

The LDRS approached Alton Towers boss Francis Jackson to ask if he would share any tantalising details, to which he responded "absolutely not," explaining that the plans were being kept under wraps to maximise thrills for customers when it opens.

Speaking during a meeting with planners at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, he said the development was crucial to the park's recovery from the financial hit caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: "Alton Towers is the UK's most popular and largest theme park, it is therefore an important generator of tourism – particularly in the Staffordshire area – and we are a major local employer.

"It is vital that Alton Towers refreshes its offer in order to remain competitive and continue to attract visitors to allow for continued investment in the estate.

"Ongoing investment in attractions is even more important against the backdrop of the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic."

He added: "We welcome the officers' recognition of the wider public benefits that will result from this investment.

"We're excited to have the opportunity to bring something new to the resort."

Alton Towers is home to the world-famous 'Oblivion' (Alton Towers).

Councillors overwhelmingly back the proposals, but raised some concerns about the affect the new building might have on the surrounding area.

Cllr Peter Wilkinson said: "Obviously this is going to go above the tree line, and we don't know what ride it is, so we don't know what noise is going to permeate from this new development.

"I wouldn't like to see any lighting high up on this building, because that will impact for quite a distance."

He called for a restriction on the height at which lighting can be placed on the building, as well as fast-growing conifers surrounding it to help screen the building.

The new attraction will be located in the south west corner of the resort, which is currently used for storage and isn't open to the public.

The structure will be approximately 70m long and 50m wide, and there will also be a gift shop element, which will be around 40m by 10m.

The main bulk of the building will be 20m tall, and a queue to reach the attraction within it will be through existing woodland.

The building will be a dark green colour in order to reduce its visual impact on the surrounding landscape.

It's understood the site has been used to house attractions in the past (most recently in the 1990s) and using this plot means Alton Towers can provide a new attraction without removing an existing attraction.

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