THE man behind a ‘sustainable tourism model’ in Pembrokeshire hopes to make his Sarnau development official with planning permission for 16 ‘glamping domes’.

However, an application from James Lynch for the domes, a number of which are already on site at Manorafon without permission, was deferred on December 12 for a site visit.

A report from planning officers to Ceredigion County Council’s development control committee states that the current application “is a result of the past refusals for a certificate of lawfulness of an existing use or development.”

A change of use is now being sought for the fixed tent (dome) pitches in pasture land, as well as a replacement toilet and shower block and is said to be “basically a ‘glamping proposal’.”

The dome design are a “more contemporary alternative to the bell tent, tipi or Kata” adds the officer’s report.

There were 36 objections, the majority from the neighbouring holiday park Maesglas, with concerns including toilets too far from pitches, earth bank obscuring view of sea from caravan park, increased traffic and noise and smoke pollution from log burners and outdoor cooking.

Penbryn Community Council also objected to the application.

One objector, Rhodri Davies said at committee that the “structures” would have a “deleterious effect on the community” and would have a significant impact.

Noise was an issue said Mr Davies, adding: “We live on the adjoining property and in summer the sound of children even talking and laughing can be heard within 100 metres.”

Mr Lynch established Fforest 14 years ago with sites at Fforest Farm, Cilgerran, Pizzatipi in Cardigan and Manorafon in Sarnau, near to Penbryn beach.

A Dutch barn at Manorafon already has planning permission for events.

Mr Lynch said he now employed around 50 people, most of them local young people, and wanted to “carry on growing that business” which has a turnover of £2million a year in the local economy.

He added that discussions with the planning authority had been held, as well as pre-application work, to ensure the proposal was appropriate to the landscape, environment and those living locally.

“The idea of camping and the idea of what’s appropriate accommodation is changing,” said Mr Lynch, telling members that “innovative” sites were part of Visit Wales and Welsh Government plans for tourism.

Members voted to form a site inspection panel to see the area for themselves before making a decision.