Pembrokeshire planners visited the proposed site of a controversial holiday park in Penally today (Wednesday).

An application to site 45 self catering units on land to the rear of the Night Owl came before the county council’s planning committee in July with a recommendation for approval.

Local councillor Jonathan Preston urged the committee to consider increased traffic, the impact on the local wildlife, loss of privacy to neighbouring properties and pressures on the existing sewerage system, before arriving at their decision. He asked that they visit the site.

“As we welcome appropriate development and understand the need to provide quality holiday accommodation in Pembrokeshire, there is concern that poor planning decisions may ultimately damage the unique character that brings people here in the first place,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the objectors at the July meeting was Frank Miller.

“I have the privilege of residing in the beautiful, historic village of Penally and have done so for a number of years,” he said.

“I believe that any development must not destroy the very essence of what makes this area so attractive to people.

“The roads around it are very narrow.

"A previous application for a much smaller development was turned down in 2002 for that very reason," he said. "Nothing has changed.

“The loss of privacy will also affect the 19 properties which border the proposed holiday park.”

Councillor Tony Wilcox proposed today’s site visit “in the interests of the community”.

A county council representative confirmed the visit had taken place today.