William McNamara first came up with the idea six years ago

Members met on Tuesday to discuss whether to support the 500-acre Bluestone project at Narberth.

Businessman William McNamara says it will create 600 jobs - in an unemployment backspot - and bring a new generation of tourists to the county.

The development will follow the format of the Center Parcs holiday villages in England and other countries; grouping 400 log cabins - some with private jacuzzi and saunas - around a Celtic village, sports centre, health spa and an all-weather sub-tropical water attraction.

This is a new generation of holiday village which is very much going to trade on the attractions of Pembrokeshire William McNamara

Mr McNamara, who helped found the Oakwood theme park, which is near the planned Bluestone site, first came up with the idea six years ago.

The Welsh assembly and four other public agencies have pledged �16m in grant aid towards phase one of the project, which will cost �49m, if it is given the go-ahead.

But even if, as expected, councillors agree to support the application, there are several more hurdles to pass.

The development also needs the backing of the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority which deferred making a decision when it was last discussed in June.

Theme park

A spokesperson from the park authority said on Monday: "The authority is consulting widely on all aspects of the application and has had on several occasions to seek further information from the developers.

"Amendments have also been made by the applicants themselves at various stages.

"As a result of archaeological investigations the proposed locations of some of the buildings in the holiday village have had to be moved.

"The authority is currently awaiting a revised layout from the applicants on this."

That means the development may not be discussed by the park authority until September.

It is possible assembly planners may also decide to call the application in.

The development has been named after the famous Pembrokeshire stone used to build Stonehenge.

When he first unveiled his plans last year Mr McNamara said: "This is a new generation of holiday village which is very much going to trade on the attractions of Pembrokeshire."