Caravan site plans spark‘visual impact fear’

A COUNCIL decision over plans for a 19-unit touring caravan site in a wildlife-rich area of Pen Llŷn has been deferred amid comments about its “visual impact”.

A full application to develop the mobile holiday accommodation site at Ty’n Lon, Afonwen, came before Gwynedd Council’s planning committee on Monday last week.

The proposal included the development of a toilet block and associated works at the rural site near Pwllheli. The committee agreed on making a site visit before granting or denying planning permission.

They were considering a full application by John Evans of Evans Caravan & Camping, Ltd, through agent Gwyn Pritchard, of Ty Newydd Cyf.

The development field was identified as a Special Wildlife Site and surveys had identified badgers, otters and bats in the area.

Documents had been provided by the applicants, and with mitigation measures and conditions, Gwynedd planning officers had recommended the committee accept the plans.

However, a community council had objected on the grounds of “overdevelopment”, noting there were “many caravan sites already along the coast”.

Councillor Gruff Williams told the committee that “people come to Pen Llŷn because they want to visit unspoilt areas”.

He called for the plans to be rejected citing “over saturation” and the “visual impact” of the number of caravan sites in the area, including “one across the road”.

During the meeting a planning officer showed committee members a map showing sites arguing “there aren’t that many in the area.” But it was “strongly recommended” that members make a site visit to fully assess the situation “in context”.

The full plans would see 19 touring units placed around the boundary of an agricultural field, north west of the property. A vote in favour of a site visit resulted in nine in favour, one abstention and three against.