A Romany gypsy has had his planning application for a gypsy site on the outskirts of a South Pembrokeshire village turned down on appeal.

The application by Matthew Jones was to use land off Clay Lane, Maidenwells, near Pembroke, for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes with the formation of hard standing and a utility/dayroom ancillary.

It was refused in October last year by Pembrokeshire County Council's planning officers using delegated powers.

Mr. Jones - who currently lives on land just outside the Council's Castle Quarry gypsy site in Pembroke - appealed against the decision and an inquiry was held in August.

Dismissing the appeal, Planning Inspector, Clive Nield, said the proposed development would cause substantial harm to the rural character and appearance of the area.

"If planning permission were granted on this land it could set a precedent for similar applications almost anywhere throughout the county," said Mr. Nield.

The council's deputy leader and cabinet member for highways and planning, Clr. Jamie Adams, said he welcomed the Inspector's conclusions.

He added: "I am delighted the inspector has supported the authority's locally-made decision which clearly reflects our planning policies and which strengthens our position on such matters."