PLANS for a mobile lodge at a Pembrokeshire beauty spot, which objectors say has already seen ecological destruction when the site was cleared, and could disturb a protected bat species, have been refused.

In an application recommended for refusal at the July Pembrokeshire Coast National Park development management committee, Richard Jenkins sought permission for a change of use of land for the creation of a mobile lodge/caravan, along with a community car park/turning area, passing bays, and ecological and landscape enhancements on land next to Old Kilns/Cottage, Middle Kilns road, Herbrandston.

The application was a resubmission of a previously refused 2023 scheme.

A report for members stated: “The site is located in a highly sensitive area, being within close proximity to both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (Milford Haven Waterway) and Special Area of Conservation (Pembrokeshire Marine SAC). It is also located within the countryside.”

It went on to say: “A habitats regulations assessment (HRA) has been carried out, with the outcome being that the development has the potential to have a significant effect upon the Greater Horseshoe Bat, which are a mobile feature of the designated Pembrokeshire Bat Sites and Bosherston Lakes Special Area of Conservation (SAC) arising from disturbance to the foraging and commuting corridor due to the extent of glazing proposed.

“Overall, whilst the proposal seeks to improve the parking facilities on Middle Kiln Road, the proposal remains unacceptable due to the harm that would be caused as a result.”

Four members of the public had raised concerns about the proposals, along with Herbrandston Community Council.

Speaking at the meeting Cllr Des Galdo of Herbrandston Community Council said the site had seen “unacceptable destruction of plants and wildlife,” adding: “Allowing the change of use would be detrimental and devastating to the shoreline.”

He said Mr Jenkins “has already cleared the area using heavy machinery,” adding: “Mr Jenkins took it on himself to destroy nature, what a travesty it is now.”

He went on to say: “Wildlife has been frightened and plants destroyed, to allow a dwelling at a SSSI would be devastating.”

Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said: “I’ll probably have to puff out my cheeks and say we’ve heard a lot of negativity; I’d like to draw your attention to some facts.

“This area when Mr Jenkins bought it three years ago was in quite a poor state, whilst it’s a popular walking area it had become a bit of a dumping ground. Mr Jenkins took a lot of time to clear the site, he’s also doing ‘gentle repairs’ to the road and bridleway. There’s also a Grade-II-listed lime kiln on site; there has been some excellent work in repairing that lime kiln.

“There’s this doom and gloom being spoken about, but he has done some hard work. There is a community gain, this scheme does offer some community parking and lots of enhancements; we note there’s been some objections, but I think the ‘wilful destruction’ is something I take offence at. This is a local man from St Ishmaels who doesn’t want to harm the national park, he wants to enhance it.”

Members unanimously backed the scheme be refused, with a long string of reasons, including the potential impact on the bats.