News

Park issues clarification on campsite restrictions following backlash

Published

9 months ago

March 27, 2025

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.

**Local festival organisers were ‘left in limbo’ due to proposed camping restrictions (Image: File)**

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.

Crime

Jury told to continue deliberations in historic child sex abuse trial

Published

27 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Judge says majority verdict may be accepted after jurors report deadlock at Swansea Crown Court

A JURY has been told to continue its deliberations in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after indicating it could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is on trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of oral rape and sexual assault of a child. The offences are alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen.

At midday on Wednesday (Dec 18), the jury returned to court to say they were unable to reach a verdict on which all jurors agreed.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told the jury that while he would be prepared to accept a majority verdict if at least ten jurors were in agreement, he still wanted them to continue deliberations in an effort to reach a unanimous decision.

The jury was then sent back out to continue considering its verdict.

The trial continues.

Crime

Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation

Published

52 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.

Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.

Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.