Plans to redevelop a caravan site near Tenby to create “a notably higher quality” facility with a move towards static ‘vans which will actually see less pitches are expected to be approved.

In an application recommended for approval at the July 9 meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee, Hean Castle Estate seeks permission for the redevelopment and extension of the existing Rowston Holiday Park, New Hedges, near Tenby.

Alongside Rowston, Hean Castle Estate owns and manages land and property locally including nearby Scar Farm Holiday Park and Coppet Hall Beach Centre, as well as agricultural, forestry and residential properties.

The proposals will see the actual number of holiday accommodation pitches at Rowston decrease from 225 to 187, “while making significant environmental enhancements to landscaping, visual effects, biodiversity and the highway network,” the applicants say.

A supporting statement through agent Lichfields says: “Substantial investment will be made by Hean Castle Estate that will result in the removal of dense and visually prominent caravans in linear layouts which will be replaced with lower density, relaxed layouts of muted colours that are embedded within extensive new native tree and hedgerow planting.

“The shift to create a notably higher quality caravan park will attract new and repeat visitors across most of the year, reinforcing the tourist accommodation offer in the National Park, in line with the objectives of the Local Development Plan.”

The proposed development includes the removal of the remaining existing bases, and installation of new bases for the siting of 172 static caravans across the existing holiday park and proposed extension area, with 95 bases in the existing park and 77 in the extension area, 15 touring pitch bases in the existing park, the demolition of former laundrette and diner buildings, demolition of two agricultural buildings, the conversion of a barn to manager accommodation, the creation of 273 parking spaces, and other works.

A petition with 29 signatures has opposed the development, raising concerns including the size of the extension, potential noise and disruption, a loss of rural identity for the village, and fears it would lead to caravan sites encircling the village.

Support has been received from a local councillor, saying it would improve the existing park, support local business, and “will strike a balance between economic benefit, environmental consideration and community support”.

An officer report recommending approval says: “The proposed amendments to the existing holiday park aspect seeks to replace the tourer/tent site with static caravans.

“This would result in a reduction from a total of 225 holiday units down to 172 static caravans spread out around the site area and 15 touring caravans which would be re-located to the southwest corner of the site near to the service access.

“Whilst there would be an overall reduction in pitch numbers to 187, there would be an increase in the number of static caravans from 133 to 172, which by their nature are larger and more permanent than touring / motorhome units. There is also a new manager dwelling which will add new foul drainage to the proposed scheme.”

The application is recommended for approval with a long string of conditions.