MORE than 750 new jobs could be created on the East Coast, according to developers behind the revamp of a former North Yorkshire holiday camp.

Scarborough Borough Council has agreed to grant outline planning permission for a £35 million scheme to redevelop the former Butlin's camp at Amtree Park, Filey.

The application for the 200-acre site was submitted by Beverley businessman Wayne Low, who is being backed by Monaco-based private investor Richard Wiesener.

They are planning a scheme which includes: 900 homes for freehold sale or timeshare use, a sports and leisure centre, ten-pin bowling, supermarket, restaurants and public houses, hotel and conference centre, petrol filling station and other retail outlets, including a garden centre.

At least 600 of the new jobs will be permanent, with a further 150 or so coming during the construction phase.

Mr Low said: "People have tried for the last 17 years to develop plans for this site, but until now all those plans had failed.

"Well, now the East Coast can say goodbye to an eyesore that was so bad it was known as Little Beirut.

"We have already removed thousands of tons of debris in a major clearance operation, so Amtree Park has already lost its stigma of being a derelict site.

"With outline planning permission granted we can now begin to market the site to other developers and to companies who would like to provide facilities and services on site.

"If we receive early commitments from individual companies, construction work on the first elements of the project

could begin within the next six months, subject to detailed planning approvals," he added.

The 900 homes would range from apartments with balconies through to detached houses, with prices ranging from £50,000 to £150,000 for freehold sale.

"Even though marketing has not yet started we are already getting a great deal of interest in these properties, particularly from people who may already have an overseas holiday property but who would also like one in the UK to use themselves and to rent to other people," said Mr Low.

"We are also receiving many inquiries from people in the area who want to upgrade from static caravans to a permanent construction that will appreciate in value," he added.

His partner in the project, Richard Wiesener, has owned the Amtree Park site for the past eight years. He said: "Wayne Low has worked long and hard to get a viable project in place and approved by the council. When he approached me about his plans I was delighted to give him my backing."

Mr Wiesener, an Australian, is a former merchant banker and has lived in Monte Carlo for the past 18 years, although he has visited the UK almost on a weekly basis during recent months to progress the Amtree Park project with Mr Low.

They have employed a range of consultants to advise on the site, including an internationally-acclaimed expert on the creation of lakes and other major water features. He is helping to plan seven acres of lakes on the site.

Donaldsons of Leeds and PPH-Commercial of Hull have been appointed to begin the marketing of the site.

Mr Low said: "We will be revitalising a brownfield site and helping to bring more visitors to Filey, Scarborough, Bridlington and the surrounding areas. This is a new beginning for a beautiful area of the East Coast, which can at last fulfil its potential."

Updated: 11:04 Wednesday, December 05, 2001