'This could be Portsmouth's jewel in the crown': Political leaders react as new 128-acre country park is given green lightÂ
The expansive refuse site to the west of the M275, will be given a gleaming makeover to create the Horsea Island Country Park.
It is hoped the new country park will be open to the public in 2020.
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Hide AdThe news has been welcomed by Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt.
She said: '˜This is great for the city's green credentials. Literally turning an old landfill site into what will eventually become a beautiful country park should be something that we can all get behind and enjoy when it opens to the public in 2020.Â
'˜It's important that the city continues to see sensitive developments such as Horsea Island Country Park and is a testimony to what can be achieved under difficult circumstances such as turning an artificially made landfill site into open green space.
'˜The new park could be a new jewel in the crown of the city and I welcome this news.'
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Hide AdCouncillor Donna Jones, the city's Tory leader and former council boss, said the park would be a major new attraction, boosting tourism and economy in the future.
She added a new bridge might even be created from the M275 which will allow cyclists and pedestrians to stroll to the county park from the city.
Cllr Jones added: '˜This will be yet another feather in the cap of Portsmouth.
'˜This is going to be a real good way to bring people into the city.
'˜When people come into our beautiful city, to have this spectacular country park welcoming them will be fantastic.'