Plans to develop a 33-caravan touring site and two glamping pods near Pwllheli, a seaside town in North Wales, have been approved by Cyngor Gwynedd’s planning committee.
The decision, made on November 18, permits the change of use of farmland at Allt Fawr, Lôn Nant-Stigallt, to create a site featuring well-being facilities, a toilet and shower block, storage areas, landscaping, and access improvements.
The application, submitted by James Tongue through Grimster Planning, outlines additional features such as a footpath link to Ffordd Abererch and new drainage systems. The site, located on a small hill in the open countryside between the A497 and the A499, had raised concerns among some residents and local representatives.
However, it was ultimately deemed acceptable by planning officers, who found it unlikely to significantly impact the landscape, neighborhood amenities, biodiversity, or road safety. Approval was granted with conditions.
During the committee meeting, Tongue described the venture as an opportunity to provide local holiday accommodations while generating income and employment.
He emphasized its potential to promote the area, reduce reliance on short-term rentals like Airbnb, and support the local economy. “By creating the enterprise, I am able to stay working close by to the family,” he said, adding that the development would help manage the land and contribute positively to the community.
Opposition to the proposal came from Llannor Community Council, which expressed concerns about increased traffic, potential overdevelopment, and the impact on other tourism providers.
Specific traffic worries centered on the nearby narrow, winding road, especially with plans for an Aldi store and possible future housing developments in the area.
Cllr Elin Hywel noted strong local feelings about the proposal, citing road safety concerns and past incidents, such as livestock falling from the hill. However, she also acknowledged the applicant’s local ties and the effort to align the project with community and environmental values, calling it an example of sustainable tourism.
“We have a lot of tourism in the summer but the question for us is do we want to declare no more developments, or agree to those which are healthy and respect what we would like to see,” Hywel told NorthWalesLive.
Cyngor Gwynedd’s traffic unit has plans to implement a one-way system southward along Lôn Nant-Stigallt and has required the applicant to provide road improvements, such as passing places. These measures aim to mitigate the traffic concerns raised.
Cllr Edgar Wyn Owen highlighted the mixed sentiments surrounding new caravan developments but conceded that the proposed site was well-concealed and suitable for such use. The plan was approved with 11 votes in favor, two against, and no abstentions, following a proposal by Cllr Anne Lloyd Jones and seconded by Cllr John Pughe Roberts.
