An appeal against a decision by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to turn down the development of an educational enterprise centre for the county, has been dismissed.

The appeal is made by Ruskin Mill Trust under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against refusal to grant planning permission for the development planned for the Responsive Earth Trust at Plasdwbl, Mynachlogddu, Clunderwen, SA66 7SE.

The application [Ref: NP/22/0343/FUL] dated 27 May 2022, was refused by notice dated 16 May 2024.

A hearing was held on May 29 of this year 2025; and a site visit made on June 9.

At the hearing, the appellant clarified the nature and scope of uses within the proposed social enterprise centre. They include an exhibition space, research centre, café, shop, office, and reception. Parking spaces for up to 12 vehicles would be provided.

The centre would be open to staff, students, and visitors including members of the public.

Coleg Plas Dwbl is an education and training college providing land based and craft activities for young people with additional learning needs. It forms part of a wider network of colleges and centres run by Ruskin Mill Trust (RMT) that share an outdoor learning curriculum.

The appeal site is a parcel of horticultural land which contains 3 polytunnels, a timber shed and kitchen garden. It is set within a larger landholding of college buildings, agricultural and horticultural land, and wooded areas. The site is accessed by a track which runs from the college entrance to the north.

Planning inspector I Stevens appointed by the Welsh Ministers, states in a report to go before PCNPA’s development management committee on September 3: “The nature and intended function of the building would be wider than educational. It would be open to any visitors who choose to visit the facilities.

“Whilst the social enterprise centre would result in a minor increase in staff at the college, there would also be additional visits from staff based at other RMT colleges and the public.

“The appellant maintains that visitor numbers would be small, with an estimate of 6 persons on average per day during term times comprising of visiting researchers, local authority visits, parents and passing walkers.

“However, there is no firm evidence as to how this figure has been calculated, or why passing drivers have not been factored in. With one of the stated purposes to enable those from outside of RMT to understand its work, ideas and to see the work of students and researchers at Coleg Plas Dwbl, there is clearly an outward facing element to the proposal which would draw people from outside of the college.

“My findings on the first main issue reinforce the view that the proposal is not justified in its location or in its landscape impacts.

“I therefore conclude that it would have an adverse harmful effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and would fail to conserve or enhance the special qualities of the National Park,” they added.