PLANS to build a dozen ‘safari’ tents on the Llyn Peninsula have been rejected by planners as the proposal would have an “unacceptable, harmful effect” on the local scenery.

The proposal to erect 12 tents, each measuring 6.9 by 11 metres on land at Tyn y Cae, Llangian was put before Gwynedd Council’s Planning Committee on 16 April following a site meeting of councillors.

Planning officers recommended the refusal of the project, which was deferred from a meeting in March so that councillors could inspect the site before reaching a decision.

As well as the tents, which could be dismantled and taken away off-season if needed, the application also included 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”.

In its submissions to planners, the developers said the scheme “would create a substantial direct benefit to the local economy”, but planning officers said any benefits of the scheme were outweighed by its affect on the landscape.

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

Planning officers, in a report put before members, said: “It is considered that the proposal would be an intrusive feature in the landscape and would lead to an unacceptable harmful effect on visual amenities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

Committee members voted to accept the planning officers’ recommendations and refused the application.