Council planners have approved a north Pembrokeshire glamping venture, which includes geodesic domes and yurts, but it may not be able to be occupied until Welsh Water works are completed.
Zoe Delaney, through agent JMS Planning & Development Ltd, sought permission to turn land north of Cwm Plysgog, Cilgerran, into a tourism site.
The six-unit scheme—two geodesic domes, two yurts and two bell tents—was recommended for approval at the September meeting of the county council’s planning committee, but was deferred for a site visit.
Cilgerran Community Council raised concerns about traffic, parking, drainage, sewerage capacity, foul waste and the impact on Plysgog Stream.
On the issue of traffic and access, the council’s highways department raised no concerns.
An officer’s report warned that extra nutrient pollution from the site could harm the sensitive Tefi River Special Area of Conservation because Cilgerran Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) was failing to process enough wastewater.
Welsh Water confirmed the Cilgerran WwTW was failing to meet its target levels and must complete upgrade works by December 31.
But in September, local member Cllr John T Davies opposed a proposed ‘Grampian condition’ that would allow the site to open after December, saying he had no faith the works would be completed on time.
At the October planning meeting, Cllr Davies thanked members for visiting “God’s country” during the recent site visit, before questioning Welsh Water’s timetable, saying “not a spade applied to the ground” had been applied so far.
Head of planning, Harriet Lavender, told members it was now suggested an alternative ‘Grampian’ condition be applied; one of no occupation of the scheme until the upgrades were completed.
Cllr Tony Wilcox said Dwr Cymru had “an abysmal record” of completing works on time, asking: “Is the system at complete capacity? Will these units push it over the edge? It seems harsh these people may have to wait three or four years; is this a sledgehammer to crack a nut?”
He was told the works were needed because the plant was failing to meet requirements, and that if the applicants proceeded before completion, the “onus” would be on them.
Members voted 12 to two to approve the scheme, subject to 14 conditions.
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