An appeal to expand a Pembrokeshire caravan park onto land currently used as a golf course has been dismissed, reinforcing planning policies aimed at preserving agricultural land and protecting the visual character of the area.
The appeal, submitted by Bryn and Phil Rees, sought to overturn a previous decision rejecting the proposal for 10 additional mobile lodges or caravans at Tretio Caravan & Camping Park near St Davids.
The site, which currently includes 30 static holiday caravans, 10 motorhome pitches, and 46 tent pitches, was denied expansion by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners in January 2023.
One of the primary reasons for refusal was the classification of the land as “Best and Most Versatile” (BMV) agricultural land, a designation that prioritizes its conservation for future agricultural use.
Despite its long-standing function as a golf course, planning officers determined that the development of the site would compromise this classification, according to a report by The Western Telegraph.
Additional concerns included the visual impact of the expansion and potential disruption to the character of the surrounding landscape.
During the original hearing, the proposal faced objections from local residents, who raised concerns about the visual impact and the land’s prior designation requiring reversion to agricultural use if the golf course ceased operation.
The planning committee ultimately upheld the refusal by an eight-to-five vote, aligning with the officer’s recommendation.
Bill Rees, one of the applicants, expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that he did not believe visual impact was a valid reason for refusal.
Regarding the agricultural land designation, he argued, “This has been a golf course for over 30 years; practically, on a block of land that small, it would cost a lot of money [to] get back into agriculture.”
Following the refusal, the applicants appealed to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), but Inspector Zoe Baxter upheld the original decision after conducting a site visit.
Baxter noted that, while the site is currently used as a pitch-and-putt golf course, “it retains an open nature and is assimilated into the landscape,” adding that the proposed extension “would appear larger than the village of Tretio,” which she said would fail to preserve the rural character of the area.
The ruling highlights the challenges faced by outdoor hospitality operators seeking expansion in areas with strict land-use policies.
Business owners in the industry should be mindful of the weight given to BMV agricultural land classifications and visual impact assessments when planning new developments.
Additionally, securing community support and addressing potential objections early in the planning process can be crucial in navigating regulatory hurdles.
For outdoor hospitality businesses looking to expand, the case underscores the importance of aligning proposals with local planning policies.
Understanding the regulatory landscape, engaging with planning authorities early, and exploring alternative locations with fewer restrictions could improve the chances of securing approval.
