Surfers from across the country could be heading to the Devon countryside if an ambitious project goes ahead.
Plans for a huge man-made lagoon, a surf park with an artificial wave generator has been unveiled for the 90-hectare land beside Junction 27 of the M5 near Tiverton.
The leisure and tourism development, which hopes to draw in tourists from across the UK, also includes a 1,800-seater venue.
Developers of the land say the surf park has been intended as part of the scheme for some time, but they have only just released details as other plans for similar attractions in Wales and Bristol came forward.
They added that the surf park, with its own beach, would allow visitors to experience a consistent experience of riding the waves, despite being in the heart of the Devon countryside.
Those backing the Westwood development say it has the potential to become the visitor gateway to Devon and Cornwall, showcasing all the region has to offer.
They claim it could create more than 3,500 jobs and will attract people living as far away as London who will be able to benefit from a new foot and cycle bridge across the M5, connecting the resort to the Tiverton Parkway railway station.
The development will have a focus on sports and outdoors, with a safe woodland cycleway and a 'try before buying' sports village. A lifestyle outlet village, offering discounted designer goods, is also planned as well as a food court selling locally sourced produce.
Nearer the Westwood reef artificial surf park would be a plant and garden centre which would incorporate exhibitions.
Axa spokesman Bob De Barr said: "We are very excited about the surf park. It's the centrepiece of Westwood and, alongside the concert venue and the other activities on offer, will give Mid Devon and the region a destination that is different to anything else in the UK."
He said the tourist attraction would "well and truly put Mid Devon on the map" and would provide a year-round destination. The site would operate 18 hours a day and would be vibrant into the evening when restaurants and a multi-screen cinema will be open.
Waves at the 300m long lagoon could be varied to cater for experienced, intermediate or novice surfers and there would be room for between 60 and 70 at any one time.
The promoters say the technology replicates ocean surfing and could extend the surfing season. The reef would also feature water and sand play parks and a pavilion overlooking the lagoon with boardwalk restaurants.Video: An artificial wavegarden in use.
The plans also indicate a mountain bike trail, a cycle path around the site and a Go Ape-style woodland aerial adventure park
Westwood Reef is just one of seven linked 'zones' which are proposed for the site. The others are:
Although the news will be welcomed by Exeter's extreme sports community MP Ben Bradshaw has warned the tourist destination could be disastrous for the city.
Speaking at the time of the original planning announcement in January he said:
"This development would in my view have a very negative impact on Exeter, Taunton and nearby market towns like Tiverton, Wellington and Honiton.
"It is exactly the kind of unsustainable out of town shopping development that has led to the decline of town and city centres in other parts of the country."
He added: "Instead of looking at something like this, Mid Devon councillors should be looking at creating a sustainable new town like Cranbrook to help provide the vital new affordable homes local people so desperately need."
