NATIONAL park planners are expected to back a call to visit a proposed new ‘traveller site’ on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, before making any formal decision.

Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot.

The objection to the site is also being shared by the village’s community council.

Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application.

The application is made by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd.

Saundersfoot Community Council is recommending that the plans are turned down.

Members have pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years.

They added: “This previously unspoilt location is an important part of the landscape setting of the village.”

There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened,

Councillors were ‘frustrated’ that extensive clearance work had already taken place on site, with multiple mature trees removed and apparently disturbing a badger habitat.

They continued: “‘Permission here would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the National Park, including the additional land owned by the applicant adjacent to the application site.”

The community council’s objection finishes: “The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area.  There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.”

A supporting statement accompanying the application states: “The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives.

“Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.”

It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site.

“The application’s aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.”

At the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, members are recommended to agree to a site visit ahead of any formal decision on the scheme, on the grounds of public interest.

If a site visit is agreed, the application will be heard at a future national park meeting.

POLICE are searching for a 28-year-old man who has been reported missing from the Carmarthen area.

Liam was last seen at around 11:00am on Monday (March 31) in the Burry Port area.

Officers from the Carmarthen, Whitland, and St Clears area say they are concerned for his welfare.

He is described as being approximately 6ft tall, of stocky build, with short dark brown hair and a black beard. He was last seen wearing black Adidas trousers and a black jacket.

Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen Liam, or who has information on his whereabouts, to come forward as a matter of urgency.

Information can be reported online at https://orlo.uk/gzXsk, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

Those contacting police are asked to quote reference number 35 of March 31.

THE ANNUAL boat lift at Tenby Harbour got underway at dawn on Monday (March 31), as a towering red crane carefully lowered vessels from the harbour’s hard-standing back into the sea—signalling the town’s preparations for the busy season ahead.

A longstanding tradition in Tenby, the boat lift marks the symbolic shift from the quiet of winter to the energy of spring and summer. County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “It brings a feeling of spring and hope. It’s a sign that the town is waking up and getting ready for another busy season.”

In previous years, the event has drawn early-morning spectators who gather to watch the precision required to manoeuvre boats of all shapes and sizes into the harbour. Last year, the lift was postponed due to high winds and heavy sea swells. Despite the challenging weather, the crane arrived by 5:00am and the operation concluded later that morning.

As is tradition, the lift follows the annual ‘Blessing of the Boats’ service at St Julian’s Church—affectionately known as the “little church on the harbour.”

This year, favourable weather meant the lift went ahead smoothly and on schedule, much to the relief of organisers and boat owners alike. The sight of boats gently returning to the water serves as a vivid reminder of Tenby’s strong maritime identity and the community’s eagerness for the approaching tourist season.

Adding to the town’s growing reputation, Tenby was recently named one of the world’s top travel destinations for 2025. Events such as the Tenby Steampunk Festival—complete with Victorian costumes and peacock parades—continue to enhance its unique charm.

With boats once again bobbing in the harbour, residents and visitors are looking forward to the return of the vibrant atmosphere that defines Tenby in the warmer months.

(Image: Gareth Davies Photography)