Pembrokeshire County Council has approved plans to expand facilities at Dewslake Farm, a camping and glamping business in Lamphey, Pembrokeshire, allowing the operator to convert the site’s main barn into a multi-purpose support facility for camping operations and outdoor events.
The proposal, submitted by Dewslake Camping Limited through agent Argent Architects, received unanimous approval from the council’s planning committee during its June 30 meeting. The application sought permission for a change of use of the farm’s main barn, enabling it to accommodate additional operational and visitor facilities while retaining the building’s existing footprint for the most part.
According to the Pembrokeshire Herald, Dewslake Farm continues to operate as a working farm while also offering camping, glamping, dining, and refreshment services. The site also hosts outdoor festivals during the summer season, creating additional demand for operational infrastructure.
The planning statement explained the purpose of the project, stating: “While remaining a working farm, camping, glamping and facilities for dining and refreshments are among the services provided. Outdoor festivals are held on the site periodically during the summer season.”
It added: “The main barn is centrally located within the farm and serves as overflow storage for the various activities and events offered at Dewslake. The campsite’s sanitary facilities are located in temporary structures at the perimeter of this building.”
Under the approved plans, the barn will be reconfigured internally to provide overflow catering facilities, sanitary amenities, office space, and a reception area capable of supporting both commercial and private events held within the building and across the wider property.
The supporting statement said: “The applicant wishes to expand the facilities offered on the site. The barn has the spatial capacity to accommodate a range of different events, both commercial and private. The idea is to bring in the operational capacity to service functions and events in the building and on the wider site, in the form of overflow catering, sanitary facilities and office and reception space.”
The proposal also includes accessibility improvements. The planning documents state that the project is intended to create “a building that is inclusive, easy and enjoyable in use for all,” with wheelchair parking planned in the area currently occupied by temporary sanitary facilities.
A planning officer’s report noted that the development would focus primarily on internal changes while minimizing alterations to the existing structure. “The proposal involves the comprehensive internal reconfiguration of the building and associated external alterations.
The footprint of the existing structure would be largely retained, with development primarily focused on enclosing and extending into an existing open lean-to section along the building’s side (west) elevation,” the report said.
The application also outlines longer-term ambitions for the business beyond the barn conversion.
According to the planning statement, “The growing business model requires considerable on-site management and maintenance. The long-term plan is greatly invested in ecological enhancements and trades on this in the marketing approach taken in promoting the campsite.”
The document continued: “This approach requires a particular intensity in the management of the land, which when coupled with the day-to-day running of the campsite, increases the need for a round-the-clock management presence.”
As a result, the applicant indicated plans to submit a separate pre-application inquiry for the construction of a permanent farmhouse to support on-site management operations.
During the June 30 planning committee meeting, Councilor Alec Cormack supported the proposal, describing it as “an excellent use of the building,” while committee vice-chair Councilor Simon Hancock called it an “excellent application,” adding that it was “entirely appropriate in the site.”
The application was approved unanimously, subject to conditions.
For campground, glamping, and outdoor hospitality operators, the project illustrates how existing agricultural buildings can be adapted to strengthen guest services and event operations without requiring extensive new construction.
As more parks diversify their revenue streams through festivals, private events, and food service, repurposing existing structures can provide additional operational capacity while preserving the character of rural sites and making more efficient use of existing assets.