A £12.5 MILLION improvement project at a Pwllheli holiday park can now go ahead after gaining crucial planning permission.

Bourne Leisure, the owners of Hafan y Môr near Pwllheli, are planning the biggest investment in 20 years at the park in a bid to enhance the site, with the promise of new jobs.

On Monday afternoon, Gwynedd Council’s planning committee approved the plans, which will involve the partial demolition of the existing restaurant and entertainment venue – known as Bonga Wonga – and its replacement with a new high-quality restaurant and pub.

A separate application was also approved, allowing a redevelopment of the outdoor activities area including a small track jeep safari, a new jetty for boat hire, refurbishment of the all-weather sports court, and the creation of a new play area with water, low ropes and bungee trampolines.

Also included will be a children’s play area with sand, a tower and canopy, seaside huts and charging points for electric cars.

The site already employs 390 workers and attracts more than 200,000 visitors to north Wales every year.

The planning officers’ report, which recommended that councillors should approve both applications, noted: “The proposal would contribute towards improving the internal appearance of this part of the site, and is a part of a wider plan to improve the site as a whole.

“Considering its location at the centre of the existing holiday site and near other buildings and structures, it is not considered that the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the visual amenities of the area of the wider landscape.”

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