Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners have approved plans for a seasonal campground and glamping development on the site of a former scrapyard near Talbenny Hall Farm, Talbenny, outside Haverfordwest, following a committee decision in July.
The application, submitted in 2023 by Mr. A. Stoddart through Addison Design & Development, sought permission for a change of use of the land to create 11 touring caravan pitches, tent camping pitches, and three shepherd’s huts. Part of the application was retrospective, covering the retention of an existing storage shed and facilities building already on the site.
Planning officers recommended approval ahead of the July meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Development Management Committee despite objections from The Havens Community Council, which continued to raise concerns about highway safety.
According to the Milford Mercury, the site had previously operated as a scrapyard before being remediated and more recently used as a seasonal campsite. The proposal formalizes that use by establishing a seasonal campground and glamping operation.
During the planning process, additional technical information was submitted in response to comments from consultees. The Local Highway Authority initially objected to the proposal on highway safety grounds while awaiting further evidence, but later withdrew its objection after reviewing the additional information provided by the applicant.
Planning officers concluded that the previously developed nature of the site, its enclosed landscape setting, and the seasonal operation supported compliance with planning policies. The report also noted that technical matters related to highway safety, ecology, and drainage had been addressed during the review process.
The approved operation will run seasonally from March 31 through September 30 each year. The applicant confirmed that the three shepherd’s huts will be removed from the site at the end of each operating season and stored within the existing on-site storage building.
The application was brought before the committee because it represented a new tourism development in the countryside and because The Havens Community Council maintained its objection despite the highway authority withdrawing its concerns.
Committee members were also informed that consideration of the application had been delayed after its 2023 submission because the applicant experienced “exceptional personal circumstances.”
During the public meeting, objector Alison Gibbey reiterated concerns regarding highway safety. Speaking on behalf of the applicant, agent Zac Addison said the former scrapyard had been transformed into “a beautiful little haven,” adding that the applicant did not want to be “a nuisance to anybody.”
Addison also clarified that the touring pitches would be used exclusively by motorhomes and that the tent camping area would accommodate a maximum of 20 tents.
Committee members discussed the potential role of the development in supporting tourism beyond Pembrokeshire’s busiest coastal destinations. Councilor Di Clements, while moving approval of the application, reflected that it was positive to see tourism spreading inland away from the county’s “honey pot” coastal areas and suggested including a quiet-time evening condition as part of the approval.
The committee unanimously approved the application. Councilor Mike James commented: “to have something like this in the rural areas, it’s really good to see this.”
For campground and glamping operators, the decision highlights several planning considerations that can influence tourism development proposals.
The application demonstrates the value of redeveloping previously used land, providing detailed technical information to address concerns from regulatory authorities, and clearly defining seasonal operating periods and site management practices. It also illustrates how planning applications may evolve during the review process, with additional supporting information helping resolve issues related to transportation, environmental impacts, and infrastructure before a final decision is reached.