The visual impact of a group of 1970s holiday chalets in the popular coastal location of Freshwater East has been reduced, thanks to a partnership between local businesses and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

A three-way partnership was formed to improve the visual impact of the chalets, which historically included white UPVC cladding and flat roofs, and to increase their environmental credentials by installing modern insulation.

National Park Authority director of planning Jane Gibson, site owner Roger Hunt and Jenny Vince - proprietor of PembrokeshireWalesCoastalHolidays.co.uk and eight of the chalets, met to explore ways to improve the site.

As a result, the stark white of the existing chalets has been softened by the use of an agreed palette of pastel colours. Pitched roofs have also been added by local building contractor G & I Roofing, of Hodgeston, significantly enhancing their appearance.

The UPVC cladding has been replaced with long lasting modern weather boards that have a timber grain with additional Rockwool insulation behind, resulting in a 'New England' style development which is energy efficient and much more attractive.

The changes have been well received by local people and the initiative has been supported by Freshwater East Community Association.

Roger Hunt said: "The Freshwater Bay Holiday Village is unique as it is located in wonderful countryside which naturally flows onto a beautiful sandy bay. It has been my goal to improve it and to make it as visually attractive as its natural surroundings. I must compliment Jenny Vince on her achievements which are now inspiring other holiday home owners to do the same."

Jenny Vince said: "So far, I have improved five of my eight chalets. People can view the photographs of each my chalets on my website and select which one they would like to stay in. All the refurbished chalets get booked up very fast, and the comments from the holidaymakers are always very complimentary."

National Park Authority director of planning, Jane Gibson added: "This is an excellent example of cooperation between the planning authority and local business to improve the visual impact for everyone's benefit. It is win-win, and the results speak for themselves."