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Proposals for a new 'traveller site' on the edge of a Pembrokeshire village have been resubmitted despite attracting nearly 300 objections and being previously rejected. In May, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's development management committee turned down plans for one traveller site featuring one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological improvements (partly retrospective) at Froghall Yard in Moreton Lane, less than a mile from the beach at Saundersfoot . The Authority has issued an Enforcement Notice requiring the site to be restored to its original state. Almost 300 residents had signed a petition opposing the proposals by David 'Dai' Evans of Pontypool , submitted through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, with Saundersfoot's community council also objecting. Committee members argued that approving the application "would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park". A supporting statement with the application explained: "The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives. "Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan." The application stated that Mr Evans and his family have occupied a touring caravan at the location during summer periods since the late 1980s when it belonged to another gypsy family, subsequently purchasing it in 2023 and clearing and renovating the site. Officials rejected the proposal due to concerns it would cause unacceptable harm to the landscape, insufficient details about potential disruption to local wildlife and habitats in the countryside, and because it "would introduce caravan development in an area of the National Park without landscape capacity, resulting in unacceptable cumulative impacts". A fresh application has now been lodged, with agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd explaining that "whilst there is an active enforcement and stop notice, the applicant has chosen not to appeal as he wants to learn from the issues raised by PCNP and try to address the visual and alleged damage to the landscape with a re-submission". The new application noted: "Indeed, this scheme is significantly improved and offers new extensive mitigation and net biodiversity gain." The guidance suggests that rural sites may be considered for Gypsy and Traveller sites if there is a shortage of suitable locations within or near existing settlement boundaries. The proposal "is fully in accordance with the requirements in terms of sustainability, access, will not cause significant visual intrusion and is sensitively located within an area surrounded by natural vegetation which will be supplemented [by a Green Infrastructure Statement and Biodiversity Enhancement Scheme]". It further stated: "These proposals will result in a significant net gain to the biodiversity credentials of the site with extensive screening opportunities. "It is not considered this small-scale development for one pitch in this location will cause any significant harm considering the more permissive approach [provided by guidance on gypsy travellers] is a material consideration that weighs in favour of the development." The application will be reviewed at a future date.
