THE potential for an affordable housing site in the Manorbier area has not been realised in a current planning application for land on the outskirts of the village, planners are due to be told on Wednesday, January 23.

Before the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's development management committee is an application for Buttyland Caravan Park, Station Road, Manorbier for 14 affordable housing units, two open market houses and the upgrading of 85 tents and tourers to 85 static caravans, with associated landscaping and roads.

The plan was due to come before the committee last June, but was withdrawn.

The officer's report to members states that the housing development would meet a proven need for affordable housing in the area, and would not put any additional pressure on the nearby Manorbier VC School which had room for 30 more pupils.

The report added that there had been extensive pre-application discuss with the agent, landowner and housing association over the principles of the application.

Officers considered "...there was a potential to release an allocated housing site, provide long-term environmental gains through the development of strategic landscaping and improved sewerage for the settlement."

However, this would require a negotiated package - including land allocation, timing and construction phasing, all of which would require legal agreements to secure the planning gains.

Continued the report: "Although this potential remains, your officers have concluded it is not realised in the form of this present application and must recommend accordingly."

The year-round caravans proposed would be "highly prominent in the landscape" when travelling from the north from the Ridgeway and there were insufficient environment improvements proposed. This part of the application was also contrary to Local Development Plan policies.

Although certain elements of the whole development were said to be "acceptable", the overall application is being recommended for refusal.