PLANS to build a dozen ‘safari’ tents on the Llyn Peninsula may be scuppered as the proposal would have an “unacceptable, harmful effect” on the local scenery, according to planning officers.

A proposal to erect 12 tents, each measuring 6.9 by 11 metres, will be put before Gwynedd Council’s Planning Committee on Monday, 19 March, but planning officers are recommending it be refused.

If successful, the unusual proposal, which has been submitted by Derek Howarth, would be situated in Ty’n y Cae, Llangian, a couple of miles from Abersoch.

As well as the tents, which could be dismantled and taken away off-season if needed, the application would also includes 12 wet room pods, one next to each safari tent; a first-aid point (including defibrillator); a children’s play area and a series of gravel footpaths.

The developers believe the scheme is a “prime example of low-impact tourism”, but Llanengan Community Council disagrees and suggests it is an “over-development of a prominent roadside location and sets a precedent”.

Additionally the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit admitted that, while the Visual Impact Assessment submitted as part of the application was “thorough”, it did not agree with its conclusions and believe “there is concern about the visual impact and likely disturbance caused by the proposed development in a rural and quiet area in the AONB”.

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