William McNamara first came up with the idea six years ago

The 460-acre Bluestone project at Narberth is on course to become one of the county's largest private employers providing 600 jobs.

The development will follow the format of the Center Parcs holiday villages in England with 400 log cabins, cottages and self catering studios, a sports centre, health spa and an all-weather sub-tropical water attraction.

Businessman William McNamara, who is behind the project, said after Tuesday's meeting of the council's planning committee he was "raring to get going" with the �49m development.

The economic benefits to the area outweigh any other impact Councillor Bryan Hall

"In my view we could not have had a better endorsement than we did today." he said.

"Pembrokeshire has had a difficult time and really it's important now that we do have some positive news and that we move forward in a positive way."

The outline planning application will now go before full council on 17 July but with the unanimous support of the planning committee that should be a formality.

However one major hurdle remains as part of the development falls within the boundaries of the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority.

Snow centre

It deferred making a decision when it was last discussed in June but Mr McNamara said his team had spent the past eight months working with the authority to address any concerns and was hopeful it would be supported.

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

Phase two will see the creation of a �15m snow centre providing year-round skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing facilities.

Tuesday's meeting heard the development had the qualified support of the Countryside Council for Wales and total backing of many other organisations.

Over 50 letters of support had been received but there had also been 43 letters of objection.

These raised concerns about increased traffic, possible effect on existing tourism businesses and the impact on the scenery of the area.

But councillor Brian Hall said: "The economic benefits to the area outweigh any other impact.

"It will be a quality icon for the whole of Wales providing all-weather facilities."

Renaissance

Councillor Bryan Phillips said: "The people of Pembrokeshire want this application to go through without any fuss or bother.

"If we turn this down I think we should never sit around this table again."

The development falls within part of the north Tenby ward and its councillor Michael Williams said there was a majority of support for it.

But he warned: "The euphoria today is understandable but members must look at this on planning issues.

"Overall I think the benefits totally outweigh any negative aspects to this.

"It could be a beginning of a renaissance in the tourism industry in this county.

"What concerns me is the objections of the National Park Authority."

The park authority is likely to discuss the application in September.