In a quiet corner of Pembrokeshire, a proposed new traveller site has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with almost 300 locals voicing their opposition through a petition. The site, slated for Froghall Yard on Moreton Lane in Saundersfoot, includes plans for a static caravan, a touring caravan, a utility room, and ecological enhancements. However, the community is divided, with Saundersfoot Community Council and a significant number of residents standing firm against the development.
The application for the new traveller site was put forward by Dai Evans of Pontypool, represented by Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd. The community council, supported by around 50 residents who attended a recent meeting, unanimously rejected the proposal on the grounds that the site is agricultural land unused for caravan purposes for over three decades. Concerns also revolve around the site’s visibility from Incline Way and the potential implications of setting a development precedent in the national park.
A key point of contention highlighted by the community council is the question of why the applicant, who hails from Pontypool and lacks local ties, chose a site located roughly 100 miles away. The supporting statement for the application emphasises Mr. Evans’s deep-rooted connection to the Romany Gypsy lifestyle, citing his family’s multi-generational tradition of living in caravans. Currently residing in overcrowded and substandard conditions in Pontypool, Mr. Evans is seeking to honour his cultural heritage by living in a caravan on the proposed site in Saundersfoot.
Since the late 1980s, Mr. Evans and his family have been spending their summers in a touring caravan on the site, previously owned by another Romany Gypsy family and purchased by Mr. Evans in 2023. The application aims to continue their cultural practices and way of life by residing in a caravan, a lifestyle choice that aligns with their traditions and preferences. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, tasked with evaluating the proposal, has opted for a site visit before making a final decision, acknowledging the high level of public interest in the matter.
At a recent committee meeting on April 9, members felt it necessary to gain a first-hand perspective of the site before moving forward with a formal decision. The application for the traveller site is scheduled for review at an upcoming national park meeting, where the fate of the development will be determined. Concerns raised by Senedd members in February over the living conditions of Gypsy and Romany communities across Wales have shed light on issues of substandard facilities and lack of affordable housing options within these communities.
The petition against the proposed traveller site underscores the divergent viewpoints within the local community, with some advocating for the preservation of agricultural land and others highlighting the importance of honouring cultural traditions. The ongoing debate serves as a testament to the complexities of balancing development aspirations with heritage conservation in rural landscapes. As the decision-making process unfolds, all eyes remain on the national park authorities to weigh the competing interests and arrive at a resolution that respects both the cultural heritage of the Romany Gypsy community and the environmental concerns of the local residents.