Bluestone decision on brink of challenge

15th March 2004

The National Parks' watchdog the Council for National Parks (CNP) (1) has issued the following statement in relation to the Bluestone development (2) in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

"The Council for National Parks disagrees with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's decision (3) to grant outline planning permission for the  Bluestone planning application for a major new tourism development in open countryside.

"CNP considers that this development would seriously harm National Park purposes and that an approval would set an unwelcome precedent for this and other National Parks.  As the officers of the National Park Authority concluded, this development is in breach of the national and local policies designed to safeguard the National Park.  Additionally, CNP has concerns about the way in which the Authority's decision was reached.

"A 'letter before claim' has been sent to the National Park Authority inviting it to reconsider its decision.  This provides the Authority with a final opportunity to alter its decision before any legal proceedings are issued.  This request will be considered at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Authority on Friday 19th March (4).  If the Authority decides to reverse its decision no further action will be taken.  However, if the Authority declines to reverse its decision to approve the Bluestone development, CNP's trustees will make a final decision on whether to proceed with a legal challenge of the Authority's decision in the High Court".

Notes to Editors

1.              The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

2.              The development within the National Park comprises 340 timber lodges which would be imported from Estonia, a brand new village, a sports club and a sewage treatment works.

3.              The National Park Authority's development control committee approved the outline planning application on 28th January.  Because the Bluestone application conflicts with the Authority's own policies, it was advertised as a departure.

4.              An Extraordinary Meeting of the Authority will be held at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock, on Friday 19th March at 10.30am.

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222