The Forestry Commission said the cabins would be self-catering

Plans to build 100 holiday log cabins at a beauty spot in Snowdonia are being opposed by residents.

The Forestry Commission says the self-catering log cabins near Llyn Parc in the Gwydyr Forest Park, above Betws-y-Coed, would be the first development of its kind in Wales and environmentally and commercially sensitive.

It says 30 full-time and part-time jobs would be created by its plans in an area badly affected by recent job losses and would provide a huge boost to tourism by bringing in an additional �1.5m a year to local businesses.

But there are worries about the impact on the environment and local businesses.

I'm all for progress but the area's aesthetic value is very special Farmer Ken Hughes

Local farmer Ken Hughes said: "It's a good idea but in the wrong place."

Mr Hughes believes it will affect the area's fragile water supply which he says has supplied settlements in the area since Roman times.

His said his own farm, below the lake, was dependent on the water courses in the surrounding area.

He said tampering with the area's environment could have catastrophic consequences.

Any change to the lake's water level, which has to be kept artificially low, could result in a repeat of a landslide of 1964.

Mr Hughes also said: "I'm all for progress but the area's aesthetic value is very special."

Conwy councillor Islwyn Griffiths, who represents Betws-y-Coed, said: "It is too big and its impact would be terrible on a very quiet and peaceful area.

"As to bringing economic benefits, I'm a bit wary about that."

'No theme park'

Clive Davies, of the Forestry Commission, said the matter would now go to public consultation. The commission, community councils and the Snowdonia National Park Authority will meet place next week.

Mr Davies said: "This is a sensitive development in harmony with the local environment - not a theme park.

The Betws-y-Coed area's beauty is very popular with tourists

"The concerns about the farm's water supply will be addressed by an environmental impact assessment."

Aled Sturkey, the Snowdonia National Park Authority's chief planning officer, said the Forestry Commission, as a Crown development, did not have to apply for planning permission.

However he said he understood it would "voluntarily go through the planning procedure."

If the commission applies for planning permission, the eventual decision will be made by the Snowdonia National Park Authority.

Mr Sturkey said: "From what I have seen it does not conform to our policy at the moment."