Planning applications have been submitted to Anglesey County Council seeking to expand two existing touring caravan sites on the Isle of Anglesey, with the operators citing long-term business sustainability and support for rural tourism as key reasons for the proposed developments.
One application relates to Llanfair Bach Campsite on Penrhos Beach Road in Holyhead, where the operator is seeking permission to increase the number of touring caravan pitches from seven to 14. The proposal also includes associated site works but would retain the site’s existing seasonal operating period, which runs from March 1 through October 31.
The application was submitted by Donna Jones through planning agent Delyth Owen of Owen Planning Services. According to the accompanying planning statement, the campground has operated as a touring caravan and camping site since 2007.
“The owner has identified a need to increase the number of pitches on site in order for the site to remain financially viable long term,” the application says, according to NorthWalesLive.
“This is to ensure that the site can retain its high standards in terms of services and facilities on site and landscaping.”
The planning documents state that the additional seven pitches can be accommodated without reorganizing the existing layout of the campground. The proposal also notes that only limited physical changes would be required and includes a landscaping plan featuring additional planting.
The application references Welsh planning guidance recognizing the role of touring caravan parks within the self-catering accommodation sector.
It states that “touring caravan parks are an important part of the self-catering holiday sector and can contribute as much to the local tourism economy as serviced holiday accommodation, whilst using less land for the purpose.”
The documents also confirm that the campground would continue to operate exclusively for holiday use, with touring units removed from the site when not in use, and that no changes are proposed to its seasonal operating calendar.
A separate application has also been submitted for Glan y Gors in Llanfaelog. The proposal seeks approval for 13 touring caravan pitches in addition to the site’s existing five certified pitches. It also includes plans to construct a new toilet and shower building and install a sewage treatment plant.
The application was submitted by AJ Carnall of Glan y Gors Farm through planning agent Dafydd Edwards of Cynllun Plans Drawn.
Planning documents state that Glan y Gors has operated as an established touring caravan facility for more than 20 years and characterize the proposal as an expansion of an existing tourism business rather than the creation of a new campground.
“The proposal represents a modest and logical extension of an existing use rather than the introduction of a new or unrelated form of development,” the application states.
The documents further add: “The proposal supports sustainable rural tourism by enhancing an existing facility rather than creating a new site.”
“It improves visitor facilities, accessibility and site management while maintaining the character of the site and avoiding unacceptable impacts on landscape, ecology, flood risk or highway safety.”
The proposal also includes replacing the site’s existing cassette waste cesspool arrangement with a permanent toilet and shower facility designed to improve sanitation infrastructure and visitor amenities.
Both applications are currently under consideration by Anglesey County Council planners. Approval would allow the operators to increase accommodation capacity while maintaining their focus on touring caravan guests.
For campground and caravan park operators, the proposals reflect a broader trend of established businesses pursuing incremental expansions rather than entirely new developments.
As tourism demand continues to evolve, increasing pitch capacity alongside investments in guest amenities and site infrastructure can help improve operational efficiency, enhance the visitor experience, and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
However, planning applications that demonstrate compatibility with local planning policies, environmental considerations, and community character remain an important factor in securing approvals for future growth.