Application seeks to extend award winning caravan and chalet park

Plans have been submitted to extend an award winning holiday park near Welshpool.

The Jones family who own the Hidden Valley Caravan and Chalet Park lodged a planning application with Powys County Council to have another seven holiday lodges on the site.

The five star holiday park which is on the B4392 road that goes from Guilsfield to Cyfronydd, already has 185 lodges and holiday homes on it’s 30 acre site.

Hidden Valley is set in a peaceful wooded valley that overlooks it’s own lake and wildlife sanctuary.

Agent, Richard Corbett of Roger Parry and Partners, explained the proposal in a Design and Access statement.

Mr Corbett, said: “The site is within the ownership of the Jones family and can provide an opportunity for the family to extend their existing caravan park while gaining additional income and future-proofing their children’s future in the local area.

“The proposed development can be sited and developed without detrimental effect on the surrounding landscape and the existing trees.”

He said that the local road network is able to take what amounts to a “negligible” amount of extra traffic.

Mr Corbett addedd that he also believed that the plans “meet the need” for holiday accommodation in Powys, and would help support the economy.

On this point, Mr Corbett stressed how important the tourism sector will be to rebuilding the economy because of the damage the Covid-19 pandemic has caused it.

Mr Corbett, said: “The direct economic impact on the tourism sector will not be fully known for some time.

“We want this sector to resume and recover as soon as it is safe to do so and we support appropriate efforts to build quality and diversity into the visitor and cultural economy.

“It is particularly important that tourism and culture opportunities that can deliver community benefits to the local area are supported in coastal and rural areas.”

Mr Corbett added that Tourism is one of the largest employers in Powys and is even rivalling farming and agriculture in it’s economic importance to Powys.

He said “Tourism makes a substantial contribution to the Powys economy, supporting over 12,327 jobs.

“There are 1,549 tourism accommodation establishments’ in Powys, with a recent bed-stock survey confirming a total of 49,697 sleeping / bed spaces.”

“The average length of stay is 3.71 nights with an average spend of £41.61 per night.”

Research figures, although from as far back as 2011, show that over £84 million is spent by day trippers coming to the county.

The application will be decided at a future date.