Caravan site ran 'under the radar' for 20 years

A caravan park which was run without permission for 20 years will not be allowed to continue.

The site's owner Nicholas Kinahan sought retrospective approval to continue operating his 19 pitch caravan site in an application to Pembrokeshire council.

Councillors said Mr Kinahan mistakenly ran the business "under the radar" for two decades.

“We’ve done wrong and we know we’ve done wrong,” the owner said, adding: “I can’t afford to live there without this little bit of extra income.”

Kilgetty and Begelly community council has objected the proposed application due to the lack of information provided by the owner and issues with access safety.

At the meeting, farmer and caravan site owner Mr Kinahan said there were three caravans on-site after he moved to Kilgetty in 2004, housing tenants “on benefits,” with nine caravans on-site by 2010 and additional vans from other sites stored on the premises later.

The application was refused after the council planning committee heard there was no surface water or foul waste drainage details, and no ecology survey or highway impact assessment carried out.

Councillor Mark Carter said: “ I think we’re looking at a very honest man, unfortunately in this case he’s got it wrong; he’s had a 20-year run of dodging under the radar.

“We have to respect the law and the policy and be fair to every caravan site.

“Much as I admire the gentleman for his initiative, I have to go with the officer recommendation for refusal.”