The application was refused on a long list of grounds including insufficient information that it accords with farm diversification policy
The location of a former pony trekking and zorbing activity centre(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Proposals for a Pembrokeshire holiday development at the location of a former pony trekking and zorbing activity centre forced to cease operations due to the impact of the Covid pandemic have been rejected by the national park.
In a submission to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Lawson and Penny Owen, via agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, requested partly-retrospective consent for nine self-contained holiday units and a twin-unit shepherd’s hut, alongside associated infrastructure, on land south of Nolton Stables, Nolton.
A supporting document stated: “There are two distinct elements to the proposal with the larger being the provision of five pods and four lodges which will be accessed by a farm track which leads south towards a former quarry and thence to the shoreline.” Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
READ MORE: Planning application for once-thriving equestrian centre approved
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Welsh attraction loved by millions of families searches for new future
The document continues: “The second and smaller element involves contains a virtually flat area with a separate but adjacent access from the local highway on which a 12-space car park is proposed together with the retention of a shepherd’s hut (a unit of holiday accommodation) and its separate garden and parking area.
“The income from the proposed holiday accommodation will form a smaller proportion than that derived from the agricultural activities undertaken across the four farms – an example of farm diversification where the agricultural activities remain the major element.
Map of the proposed plans showing locations(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
“In previous years the applicants operated a pony trekking enterprise and a zorbing activity as part of a farm diversification strategy. Unfortunately Covid required the cessation of both activities and therefore both a loss of income for the partnership as well local jobs for those in the Nolton community.”
The document reveals the applicants have previously run a 2.3-acre campsite under license from the Camping and Caravanning Club for more than five years, an outdoor cinema for up to 28 days per year for more than five years, and the zorbing experience. They are now considering repurposing a building within the Nolton Stables complex for use as a wedding venue.
It concluded: “It should also be noted that this proposal is in substitution for the operation of a successful pony trekking enterprise and a smaller scale zorbing activity both of which had to be abandoned because of Covid-19 and the associated requirements to minimise personal contact.
The plans were for nine self-contained holiday units and a twin-unit shepherd hut(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
“The applicants have a history of diversification of their farming activities in and around Nolton. It is anticipated that this new enterprise will restore those jobs lost due to Covid and hopefully increase opportunities both in the construction industry and in hospitality.”
The application was rejected on numerous grounds including a lack of information proving it aligns with farm diversification policy, insufficient details “to enable the authority to fully consider the impact of the proposal in terms of landscape and seascape character”, inadequate data regarding the justification and feasibility of foul water treatment, and surface water flooding risks.
Furthermore the site is located in a mineral safeguarding zone with not enough information provided “to show that there is no other suitable location for the development or that there is an overriding need for the development”.