A major new €460m (£409.8m) cultural, leisure and sports development is to be built in County Tipperary, Ireland, after the scheme was approved by planners.

North Tipperary County Council green lighted plans put forward by Richard Quirke, which will occupy a 900 acre (364.2 hectare) site near the village of Two-Mile-Borris, near Thurles. A 500-room five-star hotel with resort-style casino is at the heart of the plans, along with a racecourse with a National Hunt track, sprint track, all-weather track and combined greyhound track.

Proposals also feature the academic reconstruction of the White House as it was in Washington, US, in 1829; and a new 15,000-seat underground entertainment venue with retractable roof. An 18-hole golf course; helicopter facilities; a driving range and a timber chapel complete the development's line-up, along with an international equestrian centre.

Quirke said: "The proposed International Equestrian centre will enhance our vision for The Tipperary Venue, which is that of a world-class cultural, sporting and leisure facility." Michael Lowry, independent TD for the area, added: "The impact of The Tipperary Venue to North Tipperary and the region will be immeasurable."