Pembrokeshire campsite approved on former scrapyard site

A call for a formal seasonal Pembrokeshire campsite with motorhomes camping on the site of a former scrapyard has been given the go-ahead by national park planners.

In an application recommended for approval at the July meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee, Mr A Stoddart, through agent Addison Design & Development, sought permission for a change of use of land for the formation of 11 ‘touring caravan’ pitches, tent pitches and the siting of three shepherd’s huts, partly retrospective, on land to the east of Talbenny Hall Farm, Talbenny, near Haverfordwest.

The retrospective element related to the retention of an existing storage shed and facilities building.

The application was for committee consideration as officers had recommended approval despite objections from local community council The Havens.

An officer report for members said a change of use was sought for a a former scrapyard site, “which has been remediated and more recently operated as a seasonal campsite, to provide a seasonal formal camping and glamping site”.

It added: “During the determination of the application, a significant amount of additional information has been submitted in response to consultee comments. In particular, the Local Highway Authority initially objected to the proposal on highway safety grounds pending the submission of further technical information.”

It said those concerns had been withdrawn after further information was received, the scheme before committee as it “relates to a new tourism development in the countryside, and because The Havens Community Council has maintained an objection on highway safety grounds”.

It went on to say: “The site will operate as a medium sized seasonal tourism development between March 31 and September 30 each year. The applicant has confirmed that the three shepherd’s huts will be removed from the site outside the operating season and stored within the existing onsite storage building.

“Officers consider that the previously developed nature of the site, its enclosed landscape setting, seasonal operation and the resolution of technical matters relating to highway safety, ecology and drainage demonstrate overall policy compliance with the requirements [of planning policy] and the proposal is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

At the meeting, members heard the 2023 submitted scheme had been delayed due to the applicant facing “exceptional personal circumstances”.

Concerns were raised at the meeting by objector Alison Gibbey on highways grounds, while agent Zac Addison told members the former scrapyard had been transformed into “a beautiful little haven,” the applicant not wanting to be “a nuisance to anybody”.

He said the ‘touring pitches’ would be solely used for motorhomes, with a maximum of 20 tents in the tent pitch area.

Moving approval, Cllr Di Clements reflected it was positive tourism in the county was spreading inland away from “honey pot” coastal areas, suggesting a ‘quiet time’ evening condition be included in any approval.

Members unanimously backed the recommendation of approval, Cllr Mike James commenting: “to have something like this in the rural areas, it’s really good to see this.”

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