It was not second time lucky for a caravan park expansion near Tenby.

At its second appearance at Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, permission was refused for proposals at New Minerton Leisure Park.

A retrospective planning application for a phase one extension on a separate part of the site was approved by the committee before Christmas but still needs a full council decision.

Councillors visited the site of phase two last week.

The plan for a change of use of a field for an additional 30 static caravan pitches and ecological enhancements was said to be an “encroachment into the surrounding countryside,” by officers who recommended refusal.

There is a “prohibition” on the development of caravan parks in that area, although that has been overruled for other applications.

A new ecological and landscaping report and enhancement plan was prepared by the applicant for the meeting on Tuesday (March 12).

Agent for the applicant Geraint John said that one reason was now given by officers for refusal, with visual intrusion issues overcome, and this related to policy restricting static caravan development.

He added that this was “not a moratorium” on such developments and this application would be “modest and sympathetic.”

“If approved it will provide economic and tourism benefits for the area,” he added.

There was support from the local member for the proposal and Clr. Phil Kidney said it was also backed by the community.

“We think it’s a superb site,” he said.

“If we can bring more people to the area it’s got to be good for us,” added Clr. Kidney, who also welcomed the two jobs that would be created.

Support was also expressed by Cllrs David Pugh and Stephen Joseph.

“We have had representations opposing the development so not accurate to say there’s 100 per cent support,” said Clr. Myles Pepper.

He added that increasing the number of caravans would “kill what makes this site special.”

Clr. Jacob Williams said that his neighbouring ward would face the greatest impact and said there had been emails sent by residents adding their objections.

A proposal for a “minded to approve” decision failed and the committee voted to refuse the application.