Former quarry near Newport could be turned into a holiday park by entrepreneur

Entrepreneur James Norvill, who set up waste management company GD Environmental, is behind plans to build self-catering holiday lodges and pods within a secluded area of the former Penrhos Quarry in Caerleon.

Photos show the quarry was in operation from the end of World War Two, but it closed in the mid-1970s.

The accommodation would include 24 log cabins and four lodges grouped into two discrete locations, along with a reception area and parking for 30 cars.

A similar pod to those proposed

A planning application says the holiday park would appeal to families and couples, "with an emphasis on quiet enjoyment of rural surroundings" on a site with a diverse range of wildlife.

The development would aim to link with tourist attractions in Caerleon and also support wildlife on the site through a habitat management plan, aiming to enhance the site for protected species such as otters.

The site of the quarry. 

"The emphasis of the development would be linking the significant tourist attractions of Caerleon and surrounding areas with exercise and adventure in the rural environment whilst engaging with the natural world," the application says.

The quarry, bought by Mr Norvill in 2014, is said to provide "ample opportunity" for pods and lodges within exhausted clay pits and rejuvenating woodland.

James took to the P1 Superstock powerboating circuit by storm in 2012. Over five years, he was crowned UK national champion, and US national champion on three occasions

Despite significant tourist footfall in Caerleon, the application says there is a "surprising lack of nearby accommodation," particularly self-catering.

Bikes available to hire, and provision of parking for bicycles, is hoped to encourage more environmentally conscious visitors, and linking the site with a network of footpaths could appeal to walkers and those keen to engage with nature and the countryside.

Three different sized lodges would be on offer, while the 24 glamping pods would sleep two people and would be fitted out with bathroom and shower facilities.

Each unit will have its own private space, set amongst trees in spaces chosen to avoid causing harm.

The theme of the site will be "peaceful co-existence with the environment" - large single sex groups of visitors will not be allowed, and noisy or rowdy behaviour will not be tolerated, it is said.

Two full-time and two part-time workers would be employed, with assistance from local volunteer groups, to regenerate habitats within the woodland and marshland.

Other jobs such as for a receptionist, ground staff, maintenance and cleaning staff will also be created.

The development could also bring " a substantial increase in local trade and prosperity" by encouraging tourists to stay in the area for longer.

It is said the proposal will inject about £100,000 per year into the local economy.

Part of the quarry will be "off limits" to visitors due to health and safety concerns, with a barrier erected to prevent unauthorised access outside the accommodation area.

The application says the quarry was hit with "a significant amount of antisocial behaviour" after it fell out of use.