County planners in Pembrokeshire County Council have approved an application to change the use of land at the Stone Pitt Caravan and Camping Site, allowing a shift from touring caravan pitches to static caravan units following a planning committee meeting held on March 10.
The application, submitted by I & J Leisure Ltd through agent Gerald Blain Associates Limited, sought permission for the relocation of 27 touring caravan pitches to 27 static caravans, along with associated site works. Part of the development had already been carried out prior to approval, making elements of the application retrospective.
According to planning documents, the proposal builds on a previously approved 2021 scheme that allowed for a smaller number of touring pitches to be converted into static units. Work had begun on that earlier plan, but was later halted.
The new application introduces a revised layout, regularizes some of the work already undertaken, and modifies the mix of accommodation by replacing twin-unit lodges with single static units, enabling a higher number of static pitches within the previously approved footprint.
A supporting statement submitted with the application explained the rationale behind the revised proposal. It stated: “Following approval, works had begun on site to implement some of the approved scheme, this work has now ceased.
This new application seeks permission for a revised site layout of the approved scheme, regularisation of some works already carried out, and an increase in the number of pitches converted to static units. The increase in static units is facilitated by the removal of twin unit lodges in favour of single static units.
“The proposed development will remain within the same three enclosures as the approved scheme: eastern, central and western. In the western enclosure, eight static caravan bases have already been installed, alongside the construction of a gabion retaining wall between the western and central areas.
“The land has been reprofiled along the southern boundary to create additional space. All units in this enclosure would not be single static units, and the number of pitches proposed has been increased from 11 to 13.”
“The central enclosure has also undergone works, including the levelling of land and construction of the gabion wall. The size of this enclosure has been increased slightly through the removal of some trees.”
“The revised layout proposes seven single units, up from six in the previous scheme. Surrounding the gabion wall, a wildlife garden and replacement tree planting is proposed to enhance biodiversity.”
“In the eastern enclosure, the previous proposal for five twin-unit lodges has been replaced with seven single-unit statics. The row of touring pitches to the north of the eastern parcel will be removed, and the vacated area will be converted into a landscaped wildlife garden to improve the visual and ecological character of the site.”
A planning officer’s report supporting approval clarified that while the planning statement referenced five additional static pitches, this reflected a comparison with the earlier planning permission rather than an expansion of the site’s overall capacity. The report stated:
“Although the planning statement refers to five additional static pitches, this appears to be a reference to the difference between the proposal and the previous permission for upgrading of touring pitches to static pitches. There would be no increase in pitch numbers or site area.”
According to the Tenby Observer, the officer also noted that the proposed changes were considered compatible with local planning policies and surrounding land uses. The report added: “The proposal would have an acceptable visual impact and would not be detrimental to local amenity or highway safety. The proposal includes biodiversity enhancements and additional landscaping.
“However, it is considered that a further detailed landscaping strategy is required to be submitted for consideration for the western boundary of the site to ensure the proposal complies with the relevant policies of the LDP.”
During the March 10 planning committee meeting, council members voted unanimously to approve the application. The motion, introduced by Alec Cormack, delegated final approval to the Head of Planning, subject to several conditions.
These include the submission of revised landscaping plans for the site’s western boundary and an amended site plan confirming that the overall number of pitches has not increased.
For campground and caravan park operators, the case highlights a broader trend within the outdoor hospitality sector in which operators convert touring pitches to static accommodations to meet changing guest demand and potentially stabilize revenue streams.
Static caravans typically provide longer occupancy periods and may appeal to visitors seeking more permanent or higher-comfort accommodations compared with short-stay touring units.
However, the planning process in the UK often requires careful demonstration that such conversions will not increase overall site capacity or negatively affect local landscapes and infrastructure.
Professionals considering similar changes may need to account for environmental mitigation measures, including landscaping and biodiversity enhancements, as well as ensure that modifications remain consistent with previously approved planning frameworks.