Hean Castle Estate has submitted a proposal to redevelop Rowston Holiday Park near Tenby, Wales, with the intention of transforming the site into a lower-density, higher-quality facility that aligns with contemporary tourism standards and environmental goals.
The planning application, filed with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, outlines significant changes that include reducing the number of pitches from 225 to 187, installing new bases for caravans, converting a barn into a residential unit, and demolishing several existing structures.
The redevelopment strategy reflects a broader industry trend toward enhancing visitor experience while meeting sustainability benchmarks and addressing planning constraints.
According to the estate, the new configuration will “make significant environmental enhancements to landscaping, visual effects, biodiversit, and the highway network.”
Hean Castle Estate also manages Scar Farm Holiday Park, which includes 145 owner-occupied static caravans, along with Coppet Hall Beach Centre and a portfolio of agricultural and residential properties.
Its redevelopment plan for Rowston Holiday Park marks a departure from its former third-party lease arrangement, shifting toward direct management and a vision focused on landscape integration and modern tourist expectations.
In a supporting statement provided by agent Lichfields, the estate emphasized a move away from the current high-density configuration:
“Substantial investment will be made by Hean Castle Estate that will result in the removal of dense and visually prominent caravans in linear layouts which will be replaced with lower density, relaxed layouts of muted colours that are embedded within extensive new native tree and hedgerow planting.”
For outdoor hospitality operators, this project may serve as a case study in reconfiguring aging or underperforming parks to better align with both environmental considerations and evolving customer preferences.
The decision to reduce total pitch count while investing in visual appeal and biodiversity enhancements points to a strategy focused on long-term value rather than short-term occupancy maximization.
The park will cater exclusively to private static caravan owners, with no subletting permitted, positioning the site as a quiet retreat rather than a high-traffic rental destination.
The proposed 273 parking spaces and landscaping work suggest a renewed focus on accessibility and aesthetics, both of which are becoming increasingly important in guest experience metrics.
Operators across the caravan and holiday park sector may find insight in Hean Castle Estate’s approach, particularly as it reflects growing demand for quality, environmental stewardship, and alignment with local planning goals. According to a report by Western Telegraph, the application is currently under review and will be considered by park planners in due course.