THE owners of the National Diving and Activity Centre have unveiled plans for another Wyedean quarry, by developing a year-round ’high luxury’ holiday park hosting up to 120 cabins.

Proposals have been submitted to Monmouthshire Council by the Tidenham-based NDAC for holiday accommodation at the disused Livox limestone quarry off the A466 road between Tintern and Chepstow.

They have initially applied for a change of use permit to install 40 timber clad lodge style caravans at the 126-acre site, which includes a lake, potentially growing to 120 log cabins.

And fully developed, they say the park could generate an extra £3m spending per year in the local area.

The owners say the scheme, which is some three miles across the Wye from their NDAC base, could create 25 jobs, including 10 full-time, with roles including managerial, administrative, receptionist, cleaning and maintenance.

The development is aimed at providing self-contained holiday accommodation for families to stay and enjoy the attractions and sites in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean and further afield.

A planning statement says: "This development will not only sustainably embed the holiday provision within the local area, but it will also help to further create Tintern, St Arvans, Chepstow and in a wider sense, Monmouth, as a holiday destination for visitors to stay and explore.

"This will transform Tintern and the surrounding area into a 365-day-a-year offering, allowing the visitor a far better experience of visiting and staying in the Wye Valley.

"This will increase visitor numbers, spends and offer a better visitor experience that isn’t currently on offer in Monmouthshire."

The proposals aim to make use of walking routes and open water swimming in the lake on the quarry site, which ceased operating in 2013 although it still holds licences.

It is claimed that there is "a clear demand" for the development, with an increase in visitors to the area since the Severn Bridge tolls were scrapped.

Demand for self-contained accommodation has also increased due to Covid-19, economic uncertainty around Brexit and climate change, says a report.

Given the "high luxury" proposal, the applicants estimate £26,685 being spent in the local area by each unit proposed, supporting local businesses - a total of more than £3m if 120 units are provided.

The lodges will have a wooden exterior and have been designed to suit the countryside location, with a maximum height of four-metres, add the applicants.

UK holiday giant Hoseasons are expected to help market the new holiday park if the plans are approved.

A transport statement says the resort will be accessed off the A466, where a rural road will link to the site, while the site is also located close to walking and cycling routes.

A report on behalf of the scheme says: "The site’s owners have a proven track record and experience in the operation of a former quarry site, with the National Dive and Activity centre, which they established and have operated for the past 17 years.

"They are already members of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association and support multiple local businesses already."