APPROVAL has been granted for eight new static caravans at a holiday park near Machynlleth.

Powys County Council planners have approved the extension at Garth Holiday Park, on Garth Road, half-a-mile from the town.

When in place, they will take the number of static caravan pitches at the site to 108., including the residential warden’s unit.

The design and access statement submitted with the application states: “This planning application is being made following significant demand for holiday homes at the park, made only stronger by the recent coronavirus pandemic which has resulted in a boom in domestic tourism in Wales; a trend which is expected to continue over the next few years.

“The park has had a larger demand and has seen more caravan sales since opening after lockdown restrictions were eased than in a normal year, including sales of new units arriving in 2021 for next season.

“The demand for holidaying in this area has boomed and is forecast to carry on for the foreseeable future.

“The caravans to be sited will be single unit static caravans in accordance with those units already sited at the park.

“They will be subject to the same 12 month holiday season as has recently been granted on the wider park.”

The statement added: “There are no facilities provided on the park such as a restaurant or shop so holidaymakers are encouraged to use local facilities and services in Machynlleth, including Plas Dolguog Hotel which is situated next door and welcomes visitors from the park. Garth Holiday Park is therefore a strong contributor to the local visitor economy of Machynlleth and the surrounding area.

“Garth Holiday Park is a well-established holiday park which has origins dating back to the early 1960s.

“The park was bought by the applicant, Mr Rhodes, in 1978 and at present is in the ownership of the second generation of the family.

“There will be no extension of the park’s approved boundaries with the eight new pitches being situated within consented areas of the park where there is an opportunity to better utilise the land.

“There will be no adverse impact on landscape or visual impact as a result of this planning application being approved due to the small scale of the proposals. Similarly, there will be no adverse impact on ecology or biodiversity.”