The go-ahead has been given for a major tourist development at Herons Brook, Narberth. The application for the former animal park proposes alterations to the existing ponds on the site to create two lakes to be stocked for trout fishing, with 25 pitches, together with the siting of 10 high quality timber lodges for holiday letting, one of which would be suitable for disabled clientele. Pembrokeshire County Council's planning and rights of way committee approved the application, submitted by Mr. and Mrs. D. John, at a meeting last week, despite the plan being recommended for refusal. Officers had recommended that it be turned down on the grounds that the site was not well-related to the settlement of Narberth and the proposal for self-catering chalets was therefore contrary to the Joint Unitary Development Plan. The application, however, was approved subject to provision of passing places on the county road and parking provision on site; operating a close season regarding occupancy, i.e. January/February in each year; and that the chalets be used solely for holiday accommodation. As the resolution is not in compliance with the Joint Unitary Development Plan policy, it will now go to full council. A final decision may rest with the National Assembly. Said County Councillor Wynne Evans, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of Herons Brook: "This was a landmark planning decision. The officers recommended refusal as it fell out of all policies, but when a vote was taken, 17 members voted supporting the application, while only two voted in favour of the county council's recommendation. "This now has implications for all future developments inside the county. I informed councillors how it should be our policy to support local business  and encourage even more quality tourism in the county. "This decision has now got to be rubber-stamped by the entire full council on March 1." Added Clr. Evans: "I'm delighted I played some part in this decision. It was a victory for common sense." When contacted by the Observer, applicant, Mr. David John, said: "We are thrilled with the outcome and are grateful for all the support from the town council and our local county councillors, Wynne Evans and Elwyn Morse, who have been a great help to us. We can move move forward in this new venture." • When previously consulted about the application, members of Narberth Town Council had no objections provided that the chalets were used solely for holidays and not for permanent accommodation.