PLANS for a new ‘traveller site’ on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, and was previously refused by the national park, are again expected to be turned down.

Last May, members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee refused a scheme for 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 authority has served an enforcement notice on the site, which requires its return to its previous condition.

Nearly 300 people had signed a petition against the scheme and the objection to the application by David ‘Dai’ Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, was also shared by Saundersfoot’s community council.

Members had said granting permission “would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park”.

A supporting statement accompanying the application stated: “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 said 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 was refused on the grounds it was considered to result in unacceptable landscape impacts, a lack of information on whether the proposal will unacceptably disturb species and habitats within the countryside, and it “would introduce caravan development in an area of the National Park without landscape capacity, resulting in unacceptable cumulative impacts”.

The application has now been resubmitted, which is recommended for refusal at the January 28 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee.

Agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd says the application “is significantly improved and offers new extensive mitigation and net biodiversity gain,” and “is fully in accordance with the requirements in terms of sustainability, access, will not cause significant visual intrusion and is sensitively located within an area surrounded by natural vegetation”.

Saundersfoot Community Council has unanimously objected to the latest plans and 48 objections covering a wide range of concerns have been received, including one from a planning agent on behalf of a group of local residents, and one of 12 residents

The application is recommended for refusal on the grounds its has “resulted in unacceptable landscape impact on the National Park and potentially disturbed species and habitats within the countryside,” it “fails to demonstrate that impacts on otters and the integrity of the Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation would be avoided,” and the proposal “would introduce caravan development in an area of the National Park without landscape capacity, resulting in unacceptable cumulative impacts”.

A CALL to convert vacant office space, which was once an HSBC bank, to a ‘welcoming social space’ café in the centre of Pembrokeshire’s only city has been approved.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Rhiannon Barwick sought permission for a change of use of Old Bank House, 18a Cross Square, St Davids to a café, including the installation of a new side accessible access door and ramp, and creation of outdoor seating area to the rear of the building.

The office space in St Davids’ conservation area has been vacant since the 2022; a 2013 application change for a change of use from the former bank approved previously, the last use of the building as a holiday cottage agency.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The premises has remained vacant and is located within the defined Retail Centre of St Davids. As local people ourselves, we’re passionate about supporting the St Davids community in every way we can — not just by offering a welcoming social space, but by getting involved and hosting activities like a run club.

“We understand what St Davids’ needs to thrive, and we’re committed to being an active, positive part of that.  We’d like to open from 7.30am, as there are currently no other cafés open at that time, and it offers a great opportunity to support early commuters.

“We plan to serve homemade pastries, offering a treat that no other café in St Davids currently provides. We plan to stay open until around 3pm, with additional evening events to host and support local clubs and community activities.”

It added: “In the central area of St Davids, there are currently only two active sit-in cafés, with all others operating on a takeaway-only basis — highlighting a clear need for a welcoming, community-focused space like ours.

“While most other cafes in St Davids are focused on the tourism trade, we would like to focus on both the tourism trade and the growing St Davids Community, by staying open all year round.”

The application was supported by St Davids City Council.

An officer report recommending approval said: “There are no concerns in relation to the impact upon the special qualities of the Park, nor in relation to the character or appearance of the conservation area, or nearby listed buildings. The recommendation is to grant permission subject to suitably worded conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved.

TRIBUTES have poured in for Pembrokeshire scaffolding company boss Jozef Polak following news of his death.

Jozef, who ran the firm JP, is remembered as a warm-hearted, larger-than-life character in the community. Those who knew him said he was the sort of person who would step in to help without hesitation — and who brought humour and energy wherever he went.

On social media, messages quickly filled with heartbreak and affection. “My best mate… taken too soon,” wrote Adam Rogers. Timothy Jones added: “Sad news. RIP mate,” while Gareth Williams said: “RIP Joe thoughts with all the family”.

Several people spoke about his personality and generosity. Ginge Davies said: “Rip JP truly a great guy… a complete nutter with a heart of gold… he was such a good laugh,” adding his thoughts were with Jozef’s family, friends and Johnston FC.

Others remembered him from childhood as kind and well mannered. Simon Narbett wrote: “Spent many weekends around our house as a kid in Johnston… always very polite and well mannered boy, nice family too. RIP Jozef.”

The sense of shock was clear in many posts. “Shocked hear this news tonight r.i.p mate,” wrote Adrian Griffiths, while Stephen Evans said: “Really shocked to hear this tonight RIP JP.” Rob Griff added: “So sad to hear this, life can be so cruel… He sure was a Character!!”

Jozef was also a long-standing supporter of The Pembrokeshire Herald, advertising regularly and remaining a valued customer for 13 years. The Herald team worked with him on a number of stories over that period, including the controversial collapse of Mustang Marine, which left a number of contractors out of pocket.

Johnston Football Club said Jozef was central to the life of the club and the wider village, describing him as a “club legend” whose backing helped shape one of the most successful periods in its history.

The club said his association began at the start of the century through his father’s sponsorship, with Jozef stepping up his involvement around 2012 — a period that culminated in Johnston lifting the West Wales Cup.

They said his support was constant and practical, helping fund more than 20 senior team kits along with junior and minis kits, balls, training tops, tracksuits and other essentials. His generosity also extended to bailing the club out with work needed on the changing rooms, adding: “We never had to ask twice.”

In recent years, Johnston said, it became almost routine to ring him when something needed doing. “He’d simply ask, ‘How much do you want?’” the club said.

They ended their tribute: “RIP to a true legend of the club.”