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With ambitions to become an iconic, world-class resort unlike anything seen in Scotland for decades, the development – on the Shank of Omachie near Wellbank – will boast Dundee and Angus’s first five-star hotel.

The Angus represents one of the biggest hospitality investments in Scotland in recent years and could contribute more than £40m annually to the local economy.

The full development is expected to generate more than 300 full and part-time jobs, with a further 130 full-time equivalent posts and 285 additional employment positions during the construction and development phase.

Owner Mike Forbes, of the nearby Forbes of Kingennie country resort welcomed the decision by Angus Council’s Development Standards while VisitScotland hailed the plans as an “impressive addition” to the region’s tourism and leisure offering.

The approved new plans will see the hillside hotel offering 175 guest rooms, a rooftop sky bar and 1900 sqm spa and leisure facilities.

A hotel partner is expected to be announced in the coming months.

The development will also be the anchor for a signature golf course by Irish champion golfer Darren Clarke, alongside a clubhouse and golf academy with driving range, with 160 houses and 10 luxury lodges.

Mr Forbes said: “We have worked tirelessly to create plans for a resort that will surpass anything on offer in Scotland and firmly position Dundee and Angus as a world-class destination for tourists.

“We will now begin the preparatory work on stage one of the construction programme, which will see building work starting on the golf course later this summer.”

The project has planning permission in principle, with a section 42 order granted in 2017 to allow alterations to the original designs.

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland regional leadership director, said: “Tourism is an increasingly important part of Dundee and Angus economies. This level of investment and job creation is a vote of confidence in our sector as we recover from the pandemic. We look forward to working with the team as the development continues.”