Northern Ireland environment minister Alex Attwood has granted planning permission for a new £100m (US$157m, EUR118m) golf resort development on the North Antrim coast.

Located near the villages of Bushmills and Portballintrae, Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa will incorporate a 120-bedroom hotel with conference and spa facilities when complete.

An 18-hole championship golf course; a golf academy; a three-hole practice facility; and 75 guest suites/lodges are also included in the plans, which were submitted in 2007.

Attwood said his decision to approve the R Robinson and Sons-designed scheme will offer "significant benefits" to the area's tourism economy, while also creating new jobs.

It is believed a US-based consortium led by Dr Alistair Hanna is behind the project, which contributes to the executive's Draft Programme for Government to boost visitor numbers.

Attwood said: "The development is an important one for the Causeway Coast and for Northern Ireland, will help to grow tourism, create new job opportunities, enhance our golf product and continue to protect our natural heritage."

Tourism minister Arlene Foster said: "[The plans] will benefit the development of Northern Ireland's tourism industry by addressing the accommodation gap for a five-star hotel on the North Coast."

Local MP Ian Paisley Jr added: "[Bushmills Dunes] will become one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, generate employment and write a new chapter in the history of this ancient coastline."

Details: www.northernireland.gov.uk

Image: The resort will be developed at Runkerry on the Antrim coast – Dave Green