Park Tourism blot decision deferred

30 September 2003

The National Parks watchdog the Council for National Parks (CNP) (1) has welcomed yesterday's decision by the Development Control Committee of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to defer a decision on the damaging Bluestone tourism development (2).

CNP's Head of Policy Ruth Chambers said: "this decision was the right one given the legal uncertainty over whether the Bluestone developer had supplied all the necessary information about the project's potential environmental impacts".

Ruth Chambers added: "it emerged yesterday that there was much local concern about the impact that approving it could have on existing tourism businesses.   Other aspects of the project were also put under the spotlight, including the proposal to import log cabins from thousands of miles away and the environmental impact that a settlement the size of Saundersfoot would have in this unspoilt and tranquil location.  Many people also expressed concern about the precedent which would be set should permission be granted, not just in the Pembrokeshire Coast but in other National Parks as well".

"The National Park Authority was urged to judge this application by the same rigorous standards by which it controls other development in the open countryside, otherwise some local objectors felt it could be guilty of pursuing double standards".

Ruth Chambers concluded: "the members of the National Park Authority have been presented with a compelling set of reasons and we very much hope that they reject these proposals when they are asked to make a decision".

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.

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