Operators at the historic tourist village of Portmeirion, on the coast in North Wales have requested more campervan/motorhome spaces be allowed for short term holiday use and have submitted a planning request for permission to raise the number of spaces from 23 to 28. The application also seeks an extension of the licence period for using its site.  This would extend the season from its current running period of 1 March to 31 October to start on 1 February and finish on 31 December instead.

Robin Llyelwn, managing director of Portmeirion Cyf explained why the change was put forward:

 “The period between November 1 and December 31 has increased in terms of popularity over the last few years.

“The half term for schools is found during the month of February and there is a demand for camping places at that time.

“We hold a food and craft festival on the first weekend of December every year, and there is a demand for camping places over that period.

“The attraction of Portmeirion village is busy over the Christmas period and we are keen to extend the period to match this.”

Council planners noted in terms of design, layout and appearance, the touring site was in an “inobtrusive location”. The proposed development was of a “high quality” in an area where units could fit into the landscape.

It was considered the proposal, in terms of scale and increase, and hidden nature of the site, was considered “essentially acceptable”.

As the village of Portmeirion was a “unique attraction” with a specific operating period, extending the time period to coincide with the site’s holiday operating was considered “not contentious.” A final decision will be made at a later date.