Councillors in West Lothian have approved plans for a tank play park to be built near Winchburgh.

Geoffrey Nicholsby, who is from Edinburgh, owns Duntarvie Castle and the surrounding land near the village and was granted permission to build the park, the BBC has reported.

The army tank obstacle course will be built around the ruins of the castle and Mr Nicholsby plans to use money from the initiative to fund the restoration of the A-listed castle. It is understood half of the profits from the venture will be used in the refurbishment work, with an estimated cost of £1m to make the building wind and watertight once more.

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Visitors to the attraction will be able to drive the tracked tanks, known as Funtrak Panzers, around terrain including river crossings, mud, humps and corners. Some of the vehicles will also be fitted with laser guns, allowing drivers to shoot opposition tanks and stationary targets situated around the course.

Nicholsby, who is also a kiltmaker, hopes to have the tank battleground running by summer 2014, with the park being open for eight hours, seven days a week.

The Council granted planning permission against officials recommendations.

(JP/CD)