A £10M EXPANSION by Folly Farm to create a multi-themed 135 unit holiday village was given the green light by Pembrokeshire County Council last Thursday, March 2.

The application was approved by county planners at the December meeting of the planning and rights of way committee, but was referred to Pembrokeshire County Council for final determination because the application was a departure from the Local Development Plan, on the basis the site is not ‘well-related’ to the nearby community of Begelly, and that static caravan and chalet sites are usually only supported within the boundary of a defined settlement.

The application will be subject to a Section 106 legal agreement for improvements to the footpath into nearby Begelly.

The plan, for land at Windberry Top Farm, Begelly also features conversion of various farm buildings to form an ancillary café, reception/shop and games room/overflow café; reception/shop and games room; use of the existing farmhouse for warden’s accommodation and extension of a zoo animal enclosure.

The application before full council was moved by Cllr Peter Stock, seconded by local member Cllr David Pugh.

However, concerns were raised by Councillor Viv Stoddart, on the basis the application was contrary to policy.

Cllr Stoddart said it appeared “big players” were given an unfair advantage over smaller businesses.

“The message you’re giving out as a council is we listen to the ‘big boys’ but not the smaller operators. When we come to look at the Local Development Plan this is a policy we should look at very carefully, it definitely favours the mega attractions; we should be valuing them all, big or small.”

Cllr Stock said all application should be judged on merit.