Plans to Convert Garden Shed into Holiday Let in ‘Second Home Capital’ Turned Down
A proposal to transform a garden shed into a holiday let in the seaside village of Little Haven, known for having the highest number of second homes and holiday lets in Pembrokeshire, has been rejected. Shabnam Banihashem, a resident of Little Haven, had applied to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to convert a rear garden shed into holiday accommodation. However, the application faced objections from the local community council, The Havens, citing concerns over parking, highway access arrangements, and potential traffic safety issues.
Despite the site being described as relatively hidden and constricted, with a presumed low impact on the conservation area, the park’s building conservation officer recommended rejecting the plans. The officer highlighted concerns that the increased traffic from the holiday let could alter the area’s character and set a troubling precedent for future developments. The proposed holiday let was deemed unsuitable for long-term residential use due to its limited size, leading to the refusal based on various grounds affecting residential amenity and conservation area character.
An official report stated that the proposal could introduce more noise and disturbance than the current situation, impacting the residential amenity of neighbouring properties and the conservation area. Recent data from a national park report revealed that nearly two-thirds of houses in Little Haven are classified as second homes or holiday lets. Compared to other settlement centres in the national park, Little Haven had the highest rate of second homes and holiday lets at 62.96%, followed by Nolton Haven at 60%.
The rejection of the application aligns with the efforts to mitigate the high number of second homes and holiday lets in the area, preventing further disruptions to the local community and environment. The decision reflects a balance between promoting tourism and safeguarding the residential fabric of Little Haven. The refusal of the holiday let conversion underscores the importance of maintaining the village’s distinct character and protecting the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
This decision contributes to ongoing discussions around sustainable tourism development and preserving the cultural heritage of Pembrokeshire’s coastal villages. By upholding planning regulations and considering the long-term impact of such proposals, authorities aim to ensure that future developments enhance the area’s appeal while respecting its heritage. As Little Haven navigates the challenges of balancing tourism and community interests, this refusal sets a precedent for conscientious development practices in areas with a high concentration of second homes and holiday lets.
In conclusion, the rejection of the garden shed conversion into a holiday let highlights the complexity of managing tourism in areas known for second homes. Through thoughtful planning decisions and community involvement, Pembrokeshire continues to uphold its unique character while exploring sustainable tourism opportunities.