PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’s planning and rights of way committee met on Tuesday to discuss a major development at Heatherton.

The multi-million pound project to develop 33 log cabins, 16 yurts and the development of attractions was recommended for refusal by planning officers. Some of the new attractions would include a BMX track, Zip wire, Segways and Body Zorbs. Cutting through the red tape, forward thinking councillors defied the officers’ recommendation by approving the project. The £6m being spent at Heatherton is an opportunity to ‘raise the tourism bar’ said Councillor David Pugh. The new development would also create around 30 jobs, something which councillors felt was very important. Phil Kidney, council member for St Florence, said:

“Heatherton has been open for 20 years and only shuts for three days a year. The application before you today, if successful will add another 29 jobs. Due to the current economic climate there is a very great risk that Heatherton would have to close during the winter months”.

Alison Belton, former chief executive of Pembrokeshire tourism said to councillors: “Heatherton offers a wide range of events, activities and sports for all ages. I don’t need to tell members of the importance of tourism”.

Councillor Brian Hall added: “Heatherton is a fantastic tourist attraction, it is one of the top five in Pembrokeshire, but regrettably I have to move the recommendation for refusal simply because it’s contrary to our policies”.

However, Cllr Hall’s motion was not supported and Cllr Jacob Williams then moved that the proposals be accepted and said:

“I am disappointed that this is down for refusal, I could not support this more, now is the time to get on with it. It’s a well-established business; I think we should applaud Heatherton for wanting to do this”.

Cllrs Keith Lewis, David Pugh, Peter Stock and Phil Baker also gave their support to the application.

Cllr David Pugh added: “We have a county that relies very heavily on tourism. It doesn’t charge for entry, it has a range of activities that appeal to a wide range of families. This is an application that has been two years in preparation, let’s get on with it”.

Cllr Peter Stock said: “The benefits of this project outweigh the other objections. It’s in an excellent location, it’s a natural progression and this is the type of development we must look for in the future”.

Cllr Stephen Joseph added: “This is crucial for Pembrokeshire going forward”.

They were then asked to give their reasons why they had gone against the original decision and all councillors were of the opinion that the economic benefits outweighed the recommendations for refusal.

Heatherton director Charles Davies said: “Diversifying the business model by including accommodation as well as increasing the range of activities will enable Heatherton to be successfully marketed to a wider range of customers which in turn will generate increased income and jobs to Pembrokeshire and spread those benefits throughout the year.

“I would really like to thank the forward thinking of the council members in supporting our application and those that helped in its preparation”.

The only councillor that was against the scheme was Cllr Brian Hall who said: “Regrettably, I have to move the recommendation for refusal as it goes against a number of policies”.