Plans for boat house holiday let in Pembrokeshire village approved despite residents’ opposition

Katy Jenkins, local democracy reporter

Pembrokeshire councillors have approved plans for the erection of a boat shed with holiday let accommodation in the loft at a former boat yard in St Dogmaels, despite opposition from local residents.

St Dogmaels resident Gill Wislocka told members of the Pembrokeshire County Council planning committee that she was speaking on behalf of 20 named individuals, who “objected completely to the application,” for the boat shed which will be built northeast of the village and next to the River Teifi, on the way to Poppit Sands.

Ms Wislocka said that the addition of holiday accommodation instead of a sail loft was a “fundamental change” and there were an excessive amount of holiday accommodation, as well as impacts on an area of scientific special interest.

“One company has 93 holiday let properties already in our area, we don’t need another one,” she added.

Letters

There had been 46 letters of representation received raising concerns about the location, design, visual impact, impact on the character of the area, highway safety, habitat and biodiversity impact, light pollution and lack of economic benefit.

St Dogmaels Community Council also objected to the plan and conditions were added to the approval by Dwr Cymru, Natural Resources Wales and the council ecologist.

It was recommended for approval by the planning department, with the only vote against the application from Cllr Jordan Ryan.

One abstention was recorded due to technical difficulties and 12 councillors voted for the proposal.