THE new owner of a holiday park near Newcastle Emlyn wants to add 23 timber-clad lodges to boost visitor numbers.

Maurice Black has taken over Penlan Holiday Park, between Cenarth and Abercych on the B4332, and is keen to expand its capacity.

His planning application to Carmarthenshire Council also proposes four staff accommodation units, eight touring pitches, a shower block, landscaping and retrospective consent for ground works already carried out.

Each lodge would have two parking spaces and, if given the go-ahead, would take the total number of lodges to 123.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application said: “The site, when purchased by the applicant, was tired and in need of repair work and modernisation.

“The applicant has purchased the park to improve the facilities and provide new accommodation to cater to a wider range of clientele.”

It said the 3.6m-high lodges would be set in low-lying fields, reducing their impact on the landscape, and that native trees would be planted.

The holiday park’s website said the lodges are surrounded by oak and beech trees and can sleep up to six people.

The design statement added: “The extension will support Penlan Holiday Village to become a successful holiday destination once again, drawing visitors and thus growing the tourism economy in the area.”