Plans to see an ‘adventure village’ developed at Kiln Park - featuring more outdoor leisure facilities have been given the thumbs-up by local councillors.

The application put forward to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority by Kiln Park Estates Ltd, includes the installation of additional outdoor leisure and play equipment and amenities at the site, such as - a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA); bungee trampolines; Jump tower and jump bag; stage/screen; karts and bike hire canopy; ‘bark yard’ dog agility equipment; and an activity hub building.

A similar set of equipment and facilities is being installed at several Haven parks in response to visitor demand.

This year, Kiln Park which sits in between Tenby and Penally, is one of only three parks that have been selected for such investment, which they applicants say, represents an important opportunity to boost the success of the Park by continuing to attract visitors and encourage return visits.

The proposed development will also provide associated infrastructure, to include sustainable drainage systems (including a wildflower grassland swale), landscaping, more car parking, and a pedestrian access path through the site.

Kiln Park Estates Ltd is operated under the Haven brand, which is part of the Bourne Leisure - which is the largest owner/operator of holiday parks in the UK, with over 4,700 full time staff and 7,400 seasonal/part time staff.

“The Company now operates more than 50 holiday sites, making it a significant contributor to the UK tourist economy; and for Bourne Leisure to continue to attract customers, the Company needs to invest regularly to maintain a product that meets customers’ expectations,” said planning agent Helen Ashby-Ridgway on behalf of the company, in the application to PCNPA.

“The UK holiday market is becoming increasingly competitive, as a result of the ongoing shift towards domestic holidays, which has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The need to improve onsite facilities has therefore become even more important in order to continue to attract visitors.

“In early 2021, Bourne Leisure was acquired by Blackstone which is now investing heavily in its estate to ensure that guests keep coming back to the park and in turn to the local areas in which the parks are located.

“Kiln Park is a long and well-established static caravan and touring holiday park located within walking distance of Tenby.

“It is recognised as a very important provider of tourist and holiday accommodation in this area of Pembrokeshire and brings significant economic benefits to the local economy.

“This application seeks to expand the provision of outdoor leisure facilities at Kiln Park, which will improve the appeal of the site and allow it to continue its crucial role in the local economy,” she continued.

Kiln Park straddles the authority boundary between Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) and Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), and planning permissions were granted by each planning authority for development comprising a comprehensive ‘Masterplan’ application back in May 10, 2017 (ref: NP/16/0266/FUL) and August 18, 2017 (ref: 16/0122/PA) respectively.

The description of development for both of these permissions was as follows: Redevelopment and relocation of 117 existing bases and creation of 58 additional bases for static visitor caravans; reduction in number of touring and tent pitches; removal of 11 existing staff caravans and their utility connections; creation of two bases for static caravans for staff, demolition of shop (and relocation to Entertainment Complex) and removal of laundrette; relocation of maintenance block and service yard; removal of car parking spaces totalling 94 spaces and creation of car park spaces totalling 138 spaces; upgrading of pedestrian access to the park and ride for access into the town centre; works to & extension of existing attenuation pond; removal of crazy golf facility; relocation of play area and associated landscaping, drainage and access infrastructure works.

The intention is for both the ‘masterplan’ and the ‘adventure village’ to form one comprehensive strategy for development at Kiln Park over the coming years.

Discussing the latest application (NP/21/0662/FUL) at Tuesday night’s meeting of Tenby town council, members recommended approval for the plans.

“Considered against all the relevant policies in the Local Development Plan (LDP) members feel that the continued enhancement of this business is important to its continued success and the local economy,” said the clerk to the town council.

Following consideration of all the information, members of Penally Community Council also said they supported the application, when the plans came before councillors at their meeting last week.