Park watchdog dismay on Bluestone

24th March 2004

The National Parks' watchdog the Council for National Parks (CNP) (1) has reacted with dismay at today's decision by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to stick by its decision (2) and grant outline planning permission for the Bluestone development (3) in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Ruth Chambers CNP's Head of Policy said: "CNP is deeply disappointed by today's decision by the National Park Authority not to change its mind on the granting of permission for the Bluestone planning application for a major new tourism development in open countryside.

"CNP considers that this development will seriously harm National Park purposes and that this approval sets 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 and allowing it to go ahead drives a coach and horses through the policies which are meant to ensure protection of the National Park.

"As the Authority has declined to reverse its decision (4) to approve the Bluestone development, CNP's trustees are now in a position to make a final decision on whether to proceed with a legal challenge of the Authority's decision in the High Court.  We expect that this decision will be made in the next few days.

Ruth Chambers concluded: "we have been accused of delaying tactics because we have been considering a legal challenge of the Park Authority' decision.  That really misses the point as a legal challenge of a planning authority's decision is an established part of our land use planning and legal system.  Legal challenge is now the only way to protect the National Park from the Bluestone development.  We have sought to be open about our intentions and have done all that we can to avoid a legal challenge.  Going to court should always be a last resort, given the serious risks involved for all parties".

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 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.

3.              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.

4.              A 'letter before claim' was sent to the National Park Authority inviting it to reconsider its decision on Bluestone.  This provided the Authority with a final opportunity to alter its decision before the issuing of any legal proceedings.

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