South Pembrokeshire's new generation holiday village was back in the planning spotlight last week.
Members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's development management committee considered a request from Bluestone Leisure Ltd. to allow day visitors to use the spa and gym at its holiday complex at Canaston Wood, near Narberth. An annual membership package for public use of the site's leisure facilities was also considered.
A spokesman for the authority said after the meeting: "The original planning consent given by the authority for the development included the parties concerned entering into a Section 106 Agreement, specifying that only holidaymakers staying in the on-site accommodation could use the leisure facilities.
"Any request to admit day visitors would need agreement in writing by this authority.
"This was occasioned by a concern to protect local businesses - particularly the smaller ones - from competition which had received significant public financial support. This issue has increased relevance in the present economic recession.
"Officers had recommended that a temporary three-year 'permission' be granted, balancing these considerations, but Bluestone's request was refused by the committee after a long debate.
"Members raised concerns that the potential impact on similar or small scale service providers locally had not been fully addressed. They also felt that as the request had not been publicised in the same way as a planning application, interested parties would not have had the opportunity to make their views known. This was considered essential if this part of the Section 106 Agreement was to be waived by the authority, even on a temporary basis.
"Officers are now keen to meet representatives from Bluestone to discuss how these issues should be addressed if the company wishes to pursue the matter again, including consideration of the need to canvas views within the business community."