Adventure sports go-ahead after wildlife concern

Ceibwr Bay near Cardigan is popular with coasteering groups

Plans have been approved for an adventure sports hub that angered wildlife campaigners who claimed it could threaten nesting birds.

Adventure Beyond, which offers coasteering and kayaking trips from Ceibwr Bay in Pembrokeshire, wants to build a centre for visitors in Moylegrove.

Concerns were raised that the centre will increase visitors, potentially having an impact on wildlife in the bay.

But the plans have now approved by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The park said the developers must comply with conditions on design, amenity, and highway safety.

The conditions include steps to protect nearby wildlife such as grey seals, the park's development committee was told.

The recommendations included avoiding activities in certain areas of the bay during specific seasons.

Measures to prevent sewage problems and maintaining traffic control were also recommended.

Ceibwr Bay is within the Cardigan Bay Marine Special Area of Conservation

Campaigners previously told the BBC that coasteering was damaging to nesting birds, and that they would "like to see Ceibwr kept wild".

Nevern and Moylegrove community councillor Richard George, told the meeting the adventure centre building was too high at 8.3m (27ft).

He added that he did not believe the centre would have a "positive contribution to the character of the surroundings".

The meeting heard that National Resources Wales (NRW) officers were satisfied that subject to conditions, the proposal complies with relevant national and local planning policies and that it is acceptable in terms of design, amenity, and highways safety.

Ceibwr Bay is a Site of Special Scientific Interest

It was also said that the highway authority did not object to the proposal and though access and parking arrangements were acceptable, subject to necessary conditions.

In a full meeting of members, the debate for the adventure centre included the benefits of this type of tourism on the area.

Jet Moore from Adventure Beyond had previously said a site which had been used for equipment and vehicles for the company's activities at Ceibwr Bay could soon become unavailable.

He said the proposed site - a former bus depot – was "the only suitable commercial site" to which its operations could be transferred.

Peter Ainsworth and Jet Moore of the Coastal Connections team said they were "delighted at the decision".

He added they want to "enhance the community" and provide outdoor activities while preserving the environment.