A proposal to transform a Welsh reservoir into a landscaped leisure and activity destination has been approved by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The £4m plans from Welsh Water will improve facilities at Llys y Fran Country Park, with permission granted to renovate the existing visitor centre, build an outdoor activity centre and create new waterside facilities and a play area.

It also means the park will be able to cater better to mountain bikers, provide camping and caravan pitches, expand parking and improve the site entrance and general landscaping.

The reservoir's walking trail will be improved and new activities will be introduced such as ropes courses, zip lines and mini golf. The site hopes to attract 120,000 visitors after the work is finished.

“Although presently a visitor attraction, the site is, and has been for a number of years, significantly underused,” said the application.

“While it is a popular destination for anglers, local walkers and mountain bikers, it currently lacks activities and facilities to constitute a full day out. Other activities that are currently undertaken on the water include kayaking and rowing, and it is our aim to reinforce this offering. The proposed development will therefore aim to establish a destination that offers visitors more to do through a range of attractions and facilities, both land and water-based.”

Welsh Water has also invested in three other reservoirs for leisure use: Elan Valley in Powys, Llandegfedd in Monmouthshire and Llyn Brenig in Conwy.

Elsewhere in Wales, a major adventure destination, Afan Valley Adventure Resort will offer water sports, mountain biking, survival training, trampolining, surfing and zorbing, in response to rising demand for British holidays with a stronger emphasis on being active outdoors.