Sir,

This week, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning and rights of way committee visited a site on the edge of the picturesque village of Penally to consider a planning application to erect 45 timber framed chalets for the purpose of self-catering holiday accommodation.

Whilst it is understood that such facilities are necessary in Pembrokeshire, careful and in-depth scrutiny should be afforded to major developments in areas of natural beauty and archeological interest. It may, however, surprise some that in fact, Penally is not part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

As well as working to protect the natural beauty within the Park, PCNPA is governed by a simple principle, ‘The Sandford Principle’ which states: ‘Where irreconcilable conflicts exist between conservation and public enjoyment, then conservation interest should take priority’.

Visual impact, ecological and natural habitat concerns exist with the proposed development in Penally. It cannot be ignored that due to Penally not being part of the National Park, this development will be considered on the recommendation of a planning officer at Pembrokeshire County Council. That officer’s recommendation is for approval.

Whilst Penally remains outside of the PCNPA, it will be officers of Pembrokeshire County Council making recommendations for major planning applications. Given the track record of some of the inappropriate approvals given in the past and, as additional land becomes available for development, it may be time to look to the Park Authority for future protection in and around Penally village.

Jonathan Preston,

C/Clr. Penally ward.