Alton Towers has been ordered to rethink its plans for 102 glamping 'accommodation pods' - after they were described as 'dull and boring' by planners.

Councillors have deferred the application after raising concerns about the design not having sufficient sparkle.

They described the scheme as 'regimented' and with the circular layout resembling a scout camp.

The tourist attraction had wanted to extend the Enchanted Village to the north to encourage more visitors to stay overnight.

It is now expected Alton Towers will submit a revised scheme in the next few months.

At a meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's planning committee, Councillor Stephen Ellis said he was disappointed with the proposals.

Designs for glamping pods at Alton Towers in the Enchanted Village.

He added: "I am usually impressed with Alton Towers’ plans as there is always magic. This is not an Alton Towers plan, it is regimented.

"Alton Towers is an amazing place and looks wonderful, then look at this. It is dull and boring.

"At the moment it needs a fresh look as it lacks the Alton Towers spark. It needs the magic putting in."

Councillor Christina Jebb said the amenity building was in the wrong place.

She added: "People could have two children and need to use the facility at night. It is a long way to take them.

"I am disappointed with the design, it is like a huge army scout design. It needs a rethink."

Councillor Paul Roberts said: "The design is in a circle. Why are they all on the outside? I am not happy with the design as it does not respect the surroundings."

Councillor Mike Gledhill said that the plans needed tweaking before they were acceptable.

He said: "It looks too uniform and has a few issues. It could be improved."

If approved, each pod would have had a double bed and two singles, as well as electricity, with communal shower and toilet blocks elsewhere. A total of 45 part-time jobs would have been created.

Speaking in support of the application, senior project manager Neil Walker, of Alton Towers, said: "Alton Towers is important for jobs. It supports local B&B facilities and local suppliers.

"This development will create part-time jobs plus construction jobs.

"The development would have economic benefits as the average day visitor brings in £168 to the economy as this would be a multi day centre."

Councillors voted in favour of deferring the application to allow further talks on the design to take place.