Reserving pitches for children does not meet the needs required as part of gypsy planning rules, a committee has ruled.

An application to increase from two pitches to six – space for 12 caravans – at land near Pincheston Farm, Sageston, was refused by Pembrokeshire County Council planners on October 2.

The applicant, Nelson Jones, currently lives at the Castle Quarry site with his wife and three children, along with his mother and sister.

A planning officer report states that the family’s needs could be met on the application site where two pitches – four caravans – are under development as part of previous permission.

Mr. Jones’ supporting statement said that three of the pitches would be reserved for his children but they are “too young to form households within the time frame for identifying need.”

Other issues included questions over whether there was adequate foul drainage provision, access arrangements and visual intrusion.

Clr. Pearl Llewellyn asked that a site visit be carried out as the applicant wanted to ask for permission for a caravan for a disabled sister but her request was not seconded.

The committee voted in favour of a recommendation to refuse the application “as it stands.”