National park planners have granted permission for a formal seasonal campsite on land previously used as a scrapyard to the east of Talbenny Hall Farm, near Haverfordwest, after a report recommended approval at July’s meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee.
What was approved
The application, submitted by Mr A Stoddart through agent Addison Design & Development, seeks a change of use of the remediated site to provide a mixed touring and glamping facility operating part of the year. The proposal includes:
- 11 touring caravan pitches
- Tent pitches
- Three shepherd’s huts (sited on a seasonal basis)
- Retention of an existing storage shed and a facilities building (partly retrospective)
The authority’s officer report described the plan as converting a site that "has been remediated and more recently operated as a seasonal campsite" into a formally designated seasonal camping and glamping site.
"The site will operate as a medium sized seasonal tourism development between March 31 and September 30 each year."
Concerns and consultee responses
The application reached committee because officers recommended approval despite opposition from The Havens Community Council, which maintained objections on highway safety grounds. Initially, the Local Highway Authority also raised concerns and objected pending further technical information.
Officers say that following the submission of substantial additional material responding to consultee comments, the highway authority withdrew its objection. The planning report records that the seasonal nature of the scheme, the previously developed status of the land and its enclosed landscape setting were factors weighing in favour of approval.
Seasonal operation and site management
Key operational details confirmed in the application include the defined operating season and arrangements for the shepherd’s huts. The applicant has stated the site will be open between 31 March and 30 September each year, and that the three shepherd’s huts will be removed from the site outside the season and stored within the existing onsite storage building.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operating season | 31 March – 30 September |
| Touring pitches | 11 |
| Shepherd’s huts | 3 (seasonal) |
Local impact and next steps
The decision will formalise a use that officers say has already been established on the remediated land. For nearby residents and parish councillors, the principal sticking point remained highway safety, a matter which the community council continued to press even after technical responses were provided to the Local Highway Authority.
The committee approval means the site may now operate as a medium-sized tourism facility during the stated season, subject to any conditions attached to the consent and compliance with enforcement of retrospective elements already on the land.
As the development moves forward, residents and regular visitors to the area should watch for any permit conditions, temporary traffic measures or further consultations that the authority may publish in relation to access and onsite management.
