You could soon be able to stay in a camping pod or chalet at a Welsh mountain bike destination as part of its plans to grow.
Plans have been submitted for 36 camping pods and five chalets at BikePark Wales in Merthyr Tydfil as it looks to expand its site.
The proposal for the Gethin Woodland Centre site in Abercanaid also includes a shower and toilet block as well as play and picnic area with of new parking area with 141 spaces and an overflow car park with 85 spaces.
Since opening, BikePark Wales has seen an increase in visitors, with 47,500 tickets sold in 2013/14 rising to 75,000 tickets sold in 2017/18.
Take a look inside BikePark Wales...
50 of the best family days out in south Wales
The bike park is planning to spend £1.5m over the next four years as part of a major growth plan to expand its trails and open beginner trails suitable for families.
This application is part of that growth plan with the extra parking said to be critical to address parking issues and accommodate new visitors.
BikePark Wales says that if it can build these facilities then visitor numbers will go up by 30% by 2022.
It says this would have a positive impact on the local economy in terms of job creation and bringing more overnight visitors to the area.
A design and access statement says: “The delivery of the proposed development will allow BikePark Wales to grow, remain the premier mountain bike destination in the UK and continue to increase its important contribution to the local economy.”
It says careful consideration has been given to the character of the area and design measures are in place to minimise the environmental impacts of the development to acceptable levels
