Work on a multi-million pound project to turn a golf course near Caersws into a new luxury holiday park will begin in the next eight weeks.

Holiday home and lodge parks entrepreneur Trevor Bebb plans to complete the £5 million park, at the nine-hole former Mid Wales Golf Centre near Caersws, in two phases, with the first phase scheduled to open in 2022.

The 28-acre development will create up to 40 jobs, Mr Bebb said, as well as others during construction. The businessman says it will generate about £700,000 a year for the local economy.

The park will comprise 100 caravan holiday homes, 25 holiday chalets and facilities including an indoor swimming pool, fitness studio, gym, changing rooms and spa. There will also be a reception area and café, office and store and manager’s accommodation.

While some local groups have voiced their opposition to building additional holiday chalets in the area, Mr Bebb said he was "delighted" to be given the green light to proceed after a 19-month planning process.

“We began consulting Powys County Council’s officers in 2018, before we submitted a planning application, and have taken their advice, answered all their questions and carried out various surveys of the site,” said Mr Bebb.

“It has been a long, drawn out process, but we are delighted to have finally received planning permission. We now plan to spend the next six to eight weeks ensuring that everything is in place before starting work.

“It’s an absolutely stunning site and we plan to incorporate the existing landscaping, which includes three pools and lots of trees, in our plans for the park.”

Mr Bebb’s family business, Mid Wales Leisure, has three holiday home and lodge parks at Marton Pool, Marton, near Shrewsbury, Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn and Leylands near Llanidloes.

He has been involved in the holiday park and leisure industry for nearly 50 years.

“This development represents a significant investment in the important tourism industry in Powys and will make a positive contribution to the local community and economy,” said Stuart Thomas, a partner and head of planning at Berrys in Shrewsbury which has supported the application.

“The leisure industry is an important part of the Mid Wales economy and it is great to see local money being invested in local projects. The development will bring new visitors to the area who will in turn spend their time and money in nearby towns and villages.

“The planning process was complex and lengthy, but we are delighted that Powys County Council has supported the scheme and granted planning permission.”