Safeguarding the limited housing development opportunities remaining in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to meet the needs of local people has led to a key policy proposed by the National Park Authority.
At an extraordinary meeting of the National Park Authority last Wednesday, members considered final amendments to the draft Joint Unitary Development Plan (JUDP) before it goes 'on deposit' and the public consultation process begins.
A key draft housing policy in the JUDP proposes that no new housing - including conversions of buildings to residential use - will be permitted in the National Park unless the applicant demonstrates that it will meet the need for residential accommodation for local persons and/or an essential need to live locally.
It was agreed that all applications for new housing received by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority after Wednesday, January 23, will be subject to the draft development policy.
It was emphasised, however, that the policy will apply only to new dwellings and not affect the existing housing stock. The 'local needs' element of the joint Plan's housing policies will apply only within the National Park.
The Park Authority and Pembrokeshire County Council have worked together to draw up a draft JUDP for Pembrokeshire.
The draft JUDP will, after an extensive statutory procedure, replace existing plans. The process includes full public consultations, opportunities to propose changes, a public inquiry, and consideration of the Inspector's report before the new Plan is finally adopted.
Clr. Gordon Cawood, chairman of the National Park Authority, said: "We need to hear what the public think of our proposals. This is their opportunity to make their views known and help shape the future of our county. There will be a great variety of ways in which to register comments. These are very important."
However, at Wednesday's meeting Clr. John Allen-Mirehouse admitted to having 'misgivings' about the proposal.
"I applaud the objectives but not the manner," he commented.
"In a pretty rural area people moving down, or retiring from other areas can outbid local people it's true.
"However, I have yet to hear of a local person selling their house below par to another local. It's against human nature.
"To have one regulation inside the Park and another for the rest of Pembrokeshire is iniquitous.
"I agree there should be houses for local people but in attempting to right a wrong, I fear we will be wronging many more rights."
Mr. Elwyn Owen felt it was a decision the Park had to make 'very carefully.
He noted that several other National Parks had formulated similar policies and felt that it was important that the issue would be subject to full debate.
Clr. Steve Watkins, the Park's vice-chairman said that he was "implacably opposed' to certain parts of the policy.
"I do not feel it will address the issue of local houses for local people," he opined.
"There needs to be a major examination of all the possible options."
Park Officer, Mr. Nic Wheeler, agreed.
"The planning system cannot solve the affordable housing issue on its own," he said. "We have got to look at other measures too. This is only part of the mosaic we have to join up.
"This matter is up for debate. We want to hear what the people say. It's a starter for 10!".