THE owner of a Llanrhian campsite pleaded to the National Park to allow her family to remain in Pembrokeshire.

Marilyn Macalast addressed members of the Development Management Committee on Wednesday (May 27), when her application for retrospective planning at Noddfa Farm was discussed.

It sought permission for a 24 pitch campsite, a visitor car park, electricity hook-up points, an external fridge and outdoor washing up area, a ground floor washroom in the main house, and the use of an existing ground floor bathroom for visitors.

Mrs Macalast told members that she was from a farming background and had bought Noddfa Farm eight years ago to raise her family. She said: “We tried to get jobs, but we couldn’t earn enough money, so we decided to open a campsite.

“If we don’t have the campsite open, we will have to leave Pembrokeshire because there is no work for us.

“We’re not looking to be millionaires; we just want to make enough money to keep our family going.”

The application was recommended for refusal because of policies 35 and 38 of the Local Development Plan. They state that “new camping, caravanning, static caravan or chalet sites will not be permitted in the National Park.”

Councillor Tony Wilcox said: “Policy 38 is harsh and unforgiving and that the application is about flattening a bit of grass for a few months of the year.” He moved to go against the officer’s recommendation and approve it. The motion was seconded by Cllr Bob Kilmister. The reasons they gave were the economic and social implications outweigh the LDP policy, and that the application will not affect the characteristics of the National Park. The personal circumstances of the applicants were also taken into account.

Councillor Mike Williams said: “I have huge sympathy for the applicants”, but raised concern about setting precedent.

He added: “The only way to be fair is to stick to the policy, unless there are extreme circumstances.”

Eleven committee members voted in favour of approval and two against. The application will come back before the next meeting to discuss the conditions.