5 January 2012 Last updated at 07:29 ET

Jobs pledge for 'over Milk Wood' holiday park re-vamp in Laugharne

There are concerns the development could harm the views from Laugharne Castle

A company hopes to create more than 100 jobs in Carmarthenshire by redeveloping its holiday park.

Seasons Holidays is to replace the 77 chalets at Laugharne Park with 212 holiday lodges, 48 apartments and a new club house and leisure facilities.

Some in Laugharne are worried about such a big development being next to Milk Wood, made famous by Dylan Thomas's radio play Under Milk Wood.

The development was backed by Carmarthenshire council planners.

There has been a holiday park on the site near Laugharne Castle since the 1960s and it has been owned by Seasons for over 20 years.

As part of its outline planning application, it says the holiday lodges would range from two to four bedrooms.

As well as the apartments the club house could include a bar, restaurant, retail units, swimming pool, gym and other leisure facilities.

Seasons Holidays owner Barry Hurley said it would create 57 jobs during construction and 110 jobs once completed.

He said the company estimated it would increase visitor spending in the area by £2.9m a year.

"These proposals are very exciting for Laugharne and will bring many economic benefits to the area, helping to boost local business," he said.

The park is next to Milk Wood, used by Dylan Thomas in the title of his fictional play Under Milk Wood. Thomas spent the later part of his life living in Laugharne.

Although only one member of the public has opposed the application both the Laugharne Township and civic trust say the expansion is too big.

Traffic worries

Laugharne Township said the application would increase the number of bedrooms by 400% which it says would have a significant impact on the community and environment.

It also has concerns about traffic, access and the capacity of the sewer network.

The civic trust says the number of units is impractical for the size of the site and would impinge on views from all sides.

The Countryside Council for Wales and Welsh government agency Cadw say landscaping works would be needed to limit the visual impact.

Carmarthenshire's planning department recommended the committee, which met on Thursday, approved the plans subject to a long list of conditions.

Mr Hurley said Seasons had tried to address objectors' concerns.

"We have listened to the local community and have worked hard to create plans that best suit the existing community whilst also enhancing the facilities for tourists visiting the area," he said.