THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY has published a detailed clarification on its proposed Article 4(1) Direction, as concerns mount among festival organisers, farmers, and landowners over the future of temporary campsites in the county.

The Direction, which was approved in principle in December 2024, would remove permitted development rights for 28-day camping, caravan, and mobile home sites from 1 January 2026, requiring landowners to apply for planning permission instead.

The Authority says the move is designed to address the growing impact of unregulated pop-up sites on the National Park’s protected landscapes, biodiversity, and local communities. However, the announcement has sparked fears within Pembrokeshire’s tourism and events sectors that the new rules could drive business out of the region.

Key clarifications released

In an effort to address confusion and criticism, the National Park Authority has now issued a clarification statement outlining exactly what the new Direction will – and will not – cover.

The Authority confirmed that the Direction will apply only to temporary 28-day campsites, caravan sites, and mobile home use. Other types of 28-day permitted development – such as temporary car parks, mobile saunas, and filming locations – will not be affected.

Importantly, the clarification also states that camping associated with other permitted temporary events – including festivals, weddings, agricultural shows, and film shoots – will not require separate planning permission, provided it is ancillary to the event.

A spokesperson said the Authority would consider factors such as licensing, advertising, site usage proportions, and event duration when determining whether campsite use is ancillary.

Impact on festivals remains a concern

Despite the clarification, festival organisers remain uneasy. Amber Lort-Phillips, organiser of The Big Retreat festival in Lawrenny, recently warned the event may have to relocate to England due to uncertainty over whether planning permission could be secured under the new system.

“The impact is we might have to move it. It’s our home for The Big Retreat and it’s not fair,” she said. “We are potentially having to look at other sites and move the festival outside of Wales.”

The Big Retreat is one of several popular events in Pembrokeshire that rely on temporary camping to operate and bring in substantial income for local businesses.

Free planning guidance offered

To support landowners and site operators, the National Park Authority will offer a free pre-application service for those preparing to submit planning applications under the new system. Guidance on the necessary information for applications is now available on the Authority’s website.

The Direction will not be finalised until members of the National Park Authority meet to confirm it on 7 May 2025, when they will also consider a full report on the consultation results.

Mixed views persist

The Authority says its consultation showed “strong support” for the changes, with many residents citing visual harm, noise, and strain on infrastructure caused by some pop-up sites.

However, the plans have been criticised as a “knee-jerk reaction” to the post-Covid boom in rural tourism. Operators like Dai Williams, who runs Clifftops Camping near Druidston, warn the proposals could shut down viable rural enterprises.

Others, such as Joe Worley of Westival, say the process has lacked transparency, with some organisers unaware of the consultation until after decisions had been made.

Next steps

With a further consultation open until 21 February and a final vote due in May, the future of temporary camping in Pembrokeshire remains in flux.

The full clarification statement and further details are available on the Authority’s website:
www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/article-41-direction-consultation-page

As businesses, residents, and event organisers await the final decision, the National Park Authority faces growing pressure to balance environmental protection with the economic needs of rural communities.

PARENTS and guardians of children in Pembrokeshire born between 01/09/2022 – 31/08/2023 are invited to apply for a Nursery school place for January, April and September 2026 by the closing date of 30^th April 2025. 

Applications received after 30^th April 2025 will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether the child gets a place at your preferred school.

It is important to note that no school place will be allocated unless a formal application is received.

The online application form can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning under ‘Apply for a School Place’.  

For information on which term your child would be due to join nursery, please follow this link to our  Information to Parents  which sets out the terms based on your child’s date of birth and which school you are applying to.

There is no need to re-apply if you have already submitted an application form.  You can view your current applications by logging into your My Account and into the ‘Schools & Learning’ ‘School Admissions & Transport’ section. 

Parents/guardians are reminded that attending a Nursery at a school does not guarantee a Primary place (to start in September 2027) and a separate application does need to be submitted for this. This application can be submitted at the same time as your Nursery application.

Parents/guardians will be notified of Nursery places by 31^st July 2025.

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have urged the Labour Government to take more decisive action to tackle marine littering following a reported rise in beach waste levels across Wales.

During Spokesperson’s Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, expressed concern about the state of the marine environment.

Despite Wales being ranked second in the world for recycling and the Welsh Government having declared both a climate emergency and a nature emergency, the average amount of litter found on Welsh beaches has increased by 4%, prompting questions over the government’s approach to marine conservation.

Commenting on the figures, Ms Finch-Saunders said:

“These figures show a worrying trend occurring on our beaches across Wales, with birds and sea mammals being placed at increasing risk due to Labour’s inaction.

“In terms of nature recovery, this issue is simply not being addressed by the Labour Government. We are seeing progress across the border, yet the problem persists here in Wales under the Welsh Labour Government’s watch.

“Given the serious risk to marine animals and the broader marine environment, the Labour Government must do more to combat marine littering and support our marine ecosystems.”

Environmental campaigners and marine charities have also called for increased efforts to tackle plastic waste and improve coastal cleanliness. The Welsh Government has previously committed to enhancing marine protection and reducing single-use plastics, though opposition parties argue that further action is needed to reverse recent trends.