VISITORS to Whitesands Beach will soon be able to hire sun loungers after a planning application was approved by the National Park.

The proposal was discussed by the Development Management Committee last Thursday (September 10) and was unanimously back by members.

It sought permission for a seasonal siting of sun loungers, deckchairs, beach wheelchairs and windbreaks hire concession between 8am and 8pm from March 1 to October 31 on a parcel of land measuring 5 metres by 5 metres next to the main car park.

The latest application follows a history of three previous temporary approvals for the same use which was first granted back in May 2005, followed by January 2006 and April this year.

In her report, the case officer Sian Davies said: “The site is considered to be appropriately located adjacent to the developed area of the coast and the proposed activity is considered to be compatible with adjacent users.

“The proposal provides a low-key convenient facility which helps support the local economy and encourage visitors to use the beach. Therefore the continuation of this use will cause no lasting impact on the character and appearance of the area, and therefore permission is recommended for a further three year period subject to no adverse comments being received from statutory consultees which cannot be overcome by condition.”

No objections were raised to the application, with St Davids City Council supporting it and Natural Resources Wales issuing standard advice.