Locals' fury over plans to build travellers' site near Welsh village (2025)

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More than 300 enraged locals have signed a petition objecting against plans to build a travellers' site on the outskirts of a quaint Welsh village.

Submitted proposals would see a static caravan, one touring caravan as well as utility and ecological enhancements at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane in Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire.

The plans were lodged by Dai Evans of Pontypool, who 'belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family', with generations of his family having lived 'a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives'.

The documents put forward by Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd argue that Mr Evans and his partner currently live on 'an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool', in 'poor' and living conditions.

It also stated that the family currently reside in 'unsatisfactory', rented, brick and mortar accommodation which is 'not in keeping with their cultural preference' of living in a caravan'.

The plans also added that the husband and wife were familiar with the location as their family have been travelling to the site since the late 1980s in a touring caravan in the summertime.

It also argued that the location was previously owned by another Gypsy family before the site was purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, and refurbishment began, as their goal is 'to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.'

However furious Pembrokeshire residents have hit back at plans, with hundreds signing a petition against the application.

Saundersfoot Community Council have argued against the traveller site application, with 50 attending locals at the meeting unanimously voting against the plans.

In their objection, the community council queried why the applicant, who lives around 100 miles away in Pontypool and has no links to the area, picked the site.

The village council also noted that the location has been used as farming land for the last three decades and not for other purposes such as caravans.

Concerns were also raised that the plans could impact the views of nearby Incline Way, as well as set a standard for development at any locations across the national park.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park development management committee have since decided to carry out a visit of the site before making any concrete decision.

The plans are due to be reviewed at a scheduled national park meeting.

It comes after Senedd members launched a report into the conditions Gypsy and Romany communities were living in Wales.

Several worries were noted about the conditions the communities were living in, as well as a lack of awareness about how to change matters.

Many of those who contributed to the report, highlighted worries about the price of rent and utilities.

One contributor said she paid far less for a two bedroom house, than her relative who was residing in 'an outbuilding and a concrete pitch that's crumbling'.

Wales

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