In a small Welsh village known for its scenic beauty, locals have successfully pushed back against plans to build a caravan site on cherished green land.
The peaceful community of Saundersfoot, nestled in Pembrokeshire, rallied together when they heard about proposals to develop a pitch for travellers, sparking a wave of concern and resistance.
What Was Proposed?
The controversial plan involved setting up a static caravan, a touring caravan, and some utility and ecological improvements on a piece of land called Froghall Yard along Moreton Lane.
For the 2,500 residents of Saundersfoot, this wasn’t just about building on a patch of land — it was about preserving the character and natural charm of their village.
Local Voices Speak Out
More than 300 people signed a petition opposing the application, showing how strongly the community felt about protecting their environment.
At a packed meeting, 50 locals gathered and voted unanimously against the plans.
Saundersfoot Community Council also made their position clear, pointing out that the land had been used as farmland for over 30 years and hadn’t been home to caravans or similar developments during that time.
Who Submitted the Plans?
The application was put forward by Dai Evans from Pontypool, who comes from a long-established Romany Gypsy family with a history of living a traditional caravan lifestyle.
His representatives said he and his partner currently live in overcrowded and poor conditions on a traveller site in Pontypool, far from Saundersfoot.
Concerns About Location and Impact
Many in Saundersfoot questioned why Mr. Evans would want to set up a site almost 100 miles away from his current home, noting no clear ties to the village.
The community council expressed worries that approving this plan could open the door to further development anywhere in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park — a prospect that unsettled many.
There were also fears the new site would spoil views from nearby spots like Incline Way and disrupt the rural feel of the area.
Official Decision and What It Means
After hearing all sides, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee rejected the application.
The decision was a win for local residents determined to keep their village as it is.
However, the agent representing the applicant mentioned that revised plans could be submitted in the future, so the story might not be over just yet.
Bigger Picture: Traveller Communities in Wales
This local dispute comes amid wider discussions in Wales about the living conditions faced by Gypsy and Romany communities.
A recent report by Senedd members highlighted challenges including poor housing, high rent costs, and utility expenses.
It also pointed to a lack of awareness and understanding about how to improve these situations.
What’s Next?
For now, Saundersfoot residents can breathe a sigh of relief, but the underlying issues remain complex.
Whether future applications will be made or new solutions found for traveller communities in Wales is a story still unfolding.