Plans to build a new swimming pool at a five star Exmouth hotel have been given the green light.

Lympstone Manor Hotel, which is headed up by famous chef Michael Caines, can now start works on the development.

The plans, approved by East Devon District Council, also include a pool house and a heated outdoor seating and terracing area.

The pool house will also include changing rooms, a plant room and serving area, together with a function area.

The overall building will be built next to the hotel's existing tennis court and croquet lawn.

The swimming pool will be 15 metres by 15 metres and 1.5 metres deep.

Lympstone Manor Hotel, Restaurant and Vineyard was opened in 2017, gaining its first Michelin star within six months as well as a 5 Star AA rating for the hotel and 5 AA Rosettes - the highest award for cooking.

The hotel's planning application said one of the venue's most frequently asked questions was whether they had a swimming pool.

It is hoped the project will now broaden the hotel's appeal to families and encourage guests to increase the length of their stay by giving them more to do.

The proposed location for the pool and pool house is at the lower end of the grounds, to the south - adjacent to the walled garden, approximately 110 metres from the hotel and restaurant.

The pool house has been designed with a significantly lower ridge height, which allows uninterrupted views to and from the Grade 2 listed hotel that sits within 28-acre grounds.

Michael Caines said: "We are obviously pleased to finally get this planning and in paritulcar we are pleased that the authorities saw that our plans were sympathetic to the environment and fitting for the surroundings.

"The project provides the business an important platform to develop the guest experience here at the hotel and we are hoping to be able to start work in the new year."