PLANS for a new community leisure facility and swimming pool at a south Ceredigion caravan park have been given the green light by planners, despite some local objections over increased noise and drainage issues.

Owners of Pencnwc Holiday Park, Cross Inn, New Quay, last year submitted ambitious plans to Ceredigion council for the reconfiguration of the caravan park and redevelopment of a community leisure facility.

The plans - which will see caravans moved to new sites within the park, the development of a lake and lanscaping, and the creation of a “community hub area” featuring a swimming pool and sports courts - were given the go-ahead by planners under delegated powers last week.

The plans were amended late last year over access fears and objections over a proposed staff accommodation block.

The staff block was removed from the plan, with a new pedestrian access worked into the scheme.

Despite the changes, the plans still received “numerous letters of objections”, planning documents show.

Objectors raised concerns “that a larger site will have a negative impact on local facilities and will create extra pollution”; that the plans would have a “visual impact from neighbouring properties”; that the “proposed drainage schemes including the lake will cause flooding in the area”; and that the scheme would increase traffic in the area.

The community council supported the application “due to the positive impact it will have on the local economy”, planning documents outlined, but members also raised concerns over “surface water flooding on site and within the immediate vicinity.”

A planning officer’s report said: “I note concerns raised by third parties that the proposal will increase noise and air pollution due to the increased size of the site, however the total number of units is unchanged.

“Furthermore measures such as landscaping and lighting conditions will ensure that the proposal will not have a significant detrimental effect on the amenity of any third party land owners or occupier.

“The proposal will be a key economic development for the area and will help the business modernise in line with customer needs.

“The proposal will also help strengthen the areas all-year-round tourism base in lie with the authorities tourism strategy.”

The plans for the family-run park were subject to a public consultation before being approved by planners.

Park owners said the scheme would “contribute to tourism in the area” and provide a “significant economic and social benefit”.