Seasonal camping and landpods at Gupton Farm, Castlemartin, Pembroke

“Ref No: NP/26/0154/FUL Proposal: Change of use of land for camping, the seasonal siting of 5 landpods, seasonal siting of 20 campervans (max) and installation of 2 electrical hook up points Site Location: Gupton Farm, Castlemartin, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, SA71 5HW”

“Plans and documents may be viewed here: Citizen Portal Planning - application details Summary: The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of approximately 4.5 hectares of land at Gupton Farm, Castlemartin, Pembroke, to provide a seasonal camping and tourism development comprising the seasonal siting of 5 landpods, up to 20 campervans and installation of 2 electrical hook up points together with associated landscape and biodiversity enhancement works.”

“Gupton Farm is located within the open countryside of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, approximately 1 km north-east of Freshwater West and forms part of the wider National Trust estate surrounding the Castlemartin Peninsula. The site occupies a relatively enclosed shallow valley landscape within Landscape Character Area Castlemartin/Merrion Ranges (LCA6) and currently operates as an established seasonal campsite under a National Trust exemption certificate.”

“The existing campsite has operated for approximately ten years and currently accommodates seasonal tent camping and a limited number of campervan pitches utilising existing site infrastructure including shower and toilet facilities, sewage treatment infrastructure, access tracks and parking areas.”

“The application site lies within the countryside as defined by the Local Development Plan and within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The proposal seeks the formalisation and diversification of an existing established seasonal camping operation at Gupton Farm through the seasonal siting of 5 Landpods, up to 20 campervans, associated electrical hook-up points and biodiversity enhancement works.”

“A significant material consideration in this case is the site’s existing lawful operation under a National Trust camping exemption certificate issued pursuant to Section 269 of the Public Health Act 1936. Under this arrangement, Gupton Farm has historically operated as a seasonal exempted campsite without requiring express planning permission for the existing level of camping activity.”

“Importantly, the submitted information confirms that the proposal would diversify and reconfigure the existing tourism offer rather than materially increase overall occupancy levels or pitch capacity at the site. The proposal also seeks to support wider visitor management objectives associated with Freshwater West by providing managed campervan accommodation within an established tourism site.”

“Whilst there is a technical departure from Policy 41 and associated SPG guidance remains due to the sensitivity of the coastal landscape location, significant weight is afforded to: • the established camping use of the site; • the seasonal and reversible nature of the development; • the absence of any material increase in overall occupancy; • the substantial landscape and biodiversity enhancements proposed; • the tourism and visitor management benefits associated with…”

“At the meeting it was reported that an additional representation had been received following publication of the Committee report expressing concern that the proposal should provide solar panels as part of the development.”

“A Member also asked about the impact of larger vehicles in a sensitive area and questions of sustainable transport. Officers advised that the application contained a good mix of tents and landpods as well as campervans. In addition there was cycling provision on site and a bus travelled past its entrance. The hope was expressed that the application could result in a reduction of roadside parking of campervans in the area but no evidence for this had been included.”

“Members considered the fact that there would be no overall increase in numbers on site, biodiversity enhancements, the seasonal nature of the development, its low visual impact and the provision of camping and caravan sites for those who could not afford more expensive means of going on holiday to be important. The recommendation of delegated approval was proposed by [name withheld], seconded by Councillor Tinley and carried.”

“Decision: That the application be delegated to officers to approve following the end of the public advertisement period for a policy departure, subject to conditions relating to the timing of the development, accordance with approved plans and documents, Green Infrastructure Statement, external lighting, ecological Appraisal and enhancement features, months of operation and General Permitted Development rights.”

“In the first available planting season following approval, planting must be implemented according to the Green Infrastructure Statement (Proposed Ecological Enhancements Plans, Planting Plan P03, Concept Landscape Masterplan P04 ).”

“Rights of Way • The proposed development would abut a public right of way, Public Bridleway SP6/1 • The public rights of way must not be obstructed. • There must be no diminution to the width of the public right of way. • No damage is to be caused to the surface of the public rights of way • No additional barriers to be placed on the public rights of way, either of a temporary or permanent nature.”