A planned expansion of Heritage Park in Pleasant Valley, Stepaside, valued at £6 million, may require reconsideration following a recent High Court ruling.
The project, proposed by Heritage Leisure Development (Wales) Ltd, was approved by Pembrokeshire County Council in late 2023 despite multiple recommendations for refusal from planning officers.
The development included plans for 48 holiday lodges, a spa facility, holiday apartments, a café, and cycle hire, as well as equestrian facilities. It was anticipated to create 44 jobs in the local area.
Council planning officers had advised against approval, citing that the site was located outside a designated settlement area, conflicting with the Local Development Plan.
However, councilors ultimately prioritized the potential economic benefits over policy concerns, passing the proposal with 37 votes in favor, 16 against, and two abstentions.
Following the approval, the Stepaside & Pleasant Valley Residents’ Group (SPVRG Ltd) initiated a legal challenge, arguing that the council had not provided adequate reasoning for its decision.
The High Court ruled in favor of the challenge, with Judge Jarman KC stating:
“The reason given by the council did not deal adequately with the important principal issues of development in the countryside, sustainability, and precedent.”
The ruling also highlighted concerns about how the economic benefits were weighed against potential negative impacts on existing sites, according to a report by The Western Telegraph.
This decision introduces uncertainty for holiday park developers and operators navigating local planning regulations.
It underscores the importance of aligning expansion plans with local policies and ensuring that economic benefits are clearly articulated and substantiated in the planning process.
The ruling could influence future applications and signal a need for greater transparency in balancing economic growth with sustainability considerations.
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council acknowledged the ruling, stating, “A judgment has recently been handed down by the High Court in relation to planning permission reference 20/0462/PA.
The judge found against the council on two grounds that related to the material consideration relied upon by councilors to outweigh the identified policy conflict and accordingly, the planning permission was “quashed.”
The council is currently evaluating the possibility of an appeal and the procedural steps required for reassessing the application.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, this case serves as a reminder of the legal complexities involved in expansion efforts.
Operators looking to invest in new developments should proactively engage with planning authorities, conduct thorough economic impact assessments, and anticipate potential challenges from local stakeholders.
The outcome of this case may shape future planning debates and set precedents for similar projects in the region.
