HOLIDAY giant Butlin's has unveiled plans for a £12 million revamp at its Minehead resort and promised the creation of up to 75 new jobs.

The scheme will see redundant 1960s chalets being replaced with modern units which could be open for business as early as spring next year if planning permission is granted.

Local residents will be able to find out more about the plans when they go on public display at a special event in the ballroom of the Hobby Horse public house in Minehead on Tuesday April 16 from 1pm to 8pm.

Representatives from Butlin's and their development team will be on hand to discuss the proposals and answer questions from the public.

A planning application for the regeneration of part of the site was lodged with West Somerset Council this week - while Butlin's promised to advertise any new jobs locally.

Resort director Julian Highfield said: "The plans will provide a range of modern holiday accommodation that will better meet the requirements of our visitors.

"Butlin's Minehead remains a popular tourist destination but we need to invest in its future to make sure that it remains attractive to visitors.

"I believe this £12 million investment in Minehead will help to maximise Butlin's contribution to the local economy, not least by providing up to 75 new job opportunities."

Architects Allison Pike have drawn up plans for a mixture of one and two-storey holiday units with adjacent parking, overlooking lakes and parkland on a 9.3 acres site.

The development will replace 169 chalets which were built in the 1960s and which are no longer used for visitors.

If approved, the development site will also include a car park on the southern boundary of the resort, close to the West Somerset Railway.

West Somerset Council is hoping to make a decision on the plans by July this year.