A MAJOR activity development at Pembrokeshire’s five-star Bluestone resort has been put in place without planning permission, it has been revealed.

The holiday centre’s Steep Ravine zip and high wires course, as well as the Camp Smokey outdoor restaurant, were both constructed without the go-ahead being sought from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Following an enforcement investigation, the company is now seeking retrospective consent for the work, as well as further proposed development including improved toilet facilities.

The authority’s development management committee meeting on Wednesday July 8 is being recommended to approve the application.

A report to members explains that Camp Smokey and the Steep Ravine course, with platforms, boardwalk, cabin building, lighting and timber storage shed were found to be unauthorised works.

“Through discussion with officers of the authority, the owners were advised to seek retrospective planning permission, following undertaking a new ecological study into the site area.

“Following receipt of a planning application in October 2014, the applicants put forward changes to provide new toilet facilities with ramp, and a sewerage system at the site. This revised application includes both the retrospective parts and proposed changes as part of the development."

Recommending approval subject to conditions - including provision within a year of 10 bird and bat boxes and 50 dormouse boxes - the committee is due to be told: “The scheme on a whole provides an additional visitor experience to Bluestone and is a low-key and unobtrusive development.

“It has been concluded that the principle of development of further visitor attractions to Bluestone is acceptable, and that the development itself has negligible impact upon the special qualities of the National Park, given its discrete siting within a wooded valley.”