Planning permission has been granted to build the first Universal Studios theme park in the UK.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government issued a Special Development Order (SDO) for the complex to be constructed in Kempston Hardwick, close to Bedford.
Universal had sought planning permission through the SDO, which allowed the government to approve the project directly and bypass standard local planning procedures.
The entertainment company said the “transformative” project was expected to attract more than eight million visitors a year and could open by 2031.
The site will be built on a former brickworks and was chosen for its nearby transport links, including rail services and London Luton Airport.
Planning documents released in July showed that structures reaching up to 115 metres were proposed for the site, making them the tallest rides in Europe; around 55,000 visitors are expected on peak days.
Details of the rides have not been released, but a source close to the project told the BBC that James Bond, Paddington and The Lord of the Rings-themed attractions could feature.
Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “I want to express my sincere appreciation for the continued engagement from Bedford and the various communities surrounding our site, as well as the many other national and local stakeholders who have provided feedback and expressed such enthusiasm on the transformative nature of our project.”
