Panic in Wales as locals fight back against travellers pitching up on beauty spot

National park planners have rejected a proposed new traveller site on the outskirts of a popular village after hundreds of objections. The plan, which has panicked local residents, involved with one static caravan, one touring caravan, a day/utility room, and ecological enhancements at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot. It was recommended for refusal at a meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's development management committee last week.

The proposal had previously been postponed for a site visit by members. Almost 300 people signed a petition against the scheme, with the village's community council also voicing their objection to the site. Around 50 people attended a recent community council meeting where members unanimously submitted by Dai Evans of Pontypool through agents Hayston Developments and Planning Ltd.

Saundersfoot Community Council pointed out that the site is agricultural land with no caravan or other use in over 30 years.

Concerns were also raised that the site - which has seen two previous planning applications turned down - is visible from Incline Way above and cannot be concealed.

The local community council has shared their fears in the national park could lead to increased construction.

At the meeting, local resident Helen Williams questioned why the applicant needed to have a site in Saundersfoot given his residence in Pontypool and highlighted the absence of caravans on-site since 1993.

Councillor Chris Williams of Saundersfoot, advocating for the officer's recommendation for refusal, agreed. He said: "I do not think this is the correct location."

Dr Rosetta Plumber also joined the opposition, labelling it "an inappropriate application and an inappropriate site".

Andrew Vaughan-Harries, representing the applicant, responded to the ruling: "To deliver traveller sites is always a planning challenge but as discussed the essential need more sites is clearly there for the whole .

"The opportunity of private sites also eases the burden on LPAs to fund traveller sites. We respect that site is in PCNP but there is a policy to still allow traveller sites in their area subtext to criteria being met.

"The full impact on the ecology and visual impact was not completed by ourselves and applicant due to availability of suitable local surveyors and conflicts of interest.

"So it's likely we will resubmit to improve on the scheme and see if all ecology impacts can be mitigated even if it has to be off-site. This site has remnants of previous use and not a virgin greenfield site. I still feel the site can deliver a single traveller poach with up-to-date assessment and redesigning."