A resort that would take 20 years and an estimated £25m (US$40m, €31.4m) to develop is being planned in 7,300 acres of national forest land next to Britain’s highest mountain peak, Ben Nevis, in Scotland, UK.

The joint Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise is hoping to apply for planning permission in Q3 of 2015. The project will comprise a five-star hotel and spa, a bunkhouse, up to 50 lodges and a campsite. Details of the spa’s design will be developed and released as the project progresses.

While unable to give an exact figure on the cost of the project due to possible alterations, FCS project team member Robert Grant said: “If all the parts of the project were to come together, then indicative investment would be around £25m.”

Developers hope to capitalise on the number of visitors to the region who come to the neighbouring Nevis Range Mountain Resort to pursue winter sports, mountain biking, climbing and hill walking. These outdoor activities attract thousands of visitors every year.

“We’re aiming for a resort hotel that complements, rather than competes with, existing provision in the area – and consultation has highlighted a general agreement with the principle of a resort complex,” said Grant.

“The majority of [consultation] participants would welcome the facilities and the additional tourist numbers that it could bring,” added Grant.

Having taken on board feedback received during the consultation, the latest version of the proposal includes some changes to the bunkhouse as well as some new elements, including the addition of the Lochaber Rural Complex site and ski range.

The developers are now looking for further comment, according to local media. There will be a public presentation at 3pm on 4 November at the local Pinemartin Café on the Nevis Range Mountain Resort site.