Plans for a new motorhome, caravan, and tent touring park at Grafog Farm near Groeslon, outside Caernarfon, are set to be considered by local planning officials after council planners recommended the proposal for approval ahead of a planning committee meeting scheduled for June 15.
The application seeks permission to develop a holiday touring site on land at Grafog Farm, located off the A487. If approved, the site would accommodate up to 25 caravans or motorhomes and 10 tent pitches. The proposal also includes replacing an existing toilet block with a new modular amenity building and carrying out improvements to the site’s access from the A487.
The development would represent an expansion of existing tourism accommodation in the area. A smaller nearby site currently operates as a Camping and Caravanning Club Certified Site, providing space for five caravans and 10 tent pitches.
In a report prepared for the planning committee, council officers concluded that the proposal complies with relevant planning policies and would not result in significant adverse impacts.
According to NorthWalesLive, the report stated: “The proposed development will contribute directly and indirectly to the maintenance and strengthening of the local economy by providing employment and spending opportunities in the local economy.
“The proposal will involve an investment of around £100,000 in the development of the proposed caravan site. Local supply chains will be used where possible, and it is anticipated that all contractors will be local.”
Planning officers also highlighted the site’s proximity to local visitor attractions, including the Inigo Jones Slate Works, noting that additional accommodation capacity could support tourism activity in the surrounding area.
The report added: “The proposed caravan site is close to a number of tourist attractions, in particular the Inigo JonesSlate Works. The provision of additional capacity will contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of these attractions, with associated economic benefits. A list of tourist attractions in the area will be provided to visitors to the site.”
The recommendation comes amid continued interest in expanding outdoor accommodation options across Wales as domestic tourism providers seek to meet demand for caravan, motorhome, camping, and other outdoor hospitality experiences.
Developments such as the one proposed at Grafog Farm are often assessed not only for their economic benefits but also for their impact on local communities, transportation infrastructure, environmental considerations, and landscape character.
For campground, caravan park, and outdoor hospitality operators, the application highlights the importance of demonstrating local economic benefits when pursuing planning approval. Investment commitments, the use of local contractors, improved infrastructure, and evidence of support for nearby tourism businesses can all play a role in strengthening a planning case.
In their final assessment, planning officers concluded: “Having considered the assessment above and all the relevant planning matters including the local and national policies and guidance, as well as the observations received, it is believed that the proposal is acceptable based on the matters noted in the report and that it would not have a substantial impact on the landscape, amenities of the local neighbourhood, biodiversity, language or road safety.”
The application is expected to be formally considered by the planning committee on June 15, when elected members will determine whether the development can proceed.