Butterfly haven proposed for Pembrokeshire given go-ahead

The centre will be built in phases over 10 years

An eco-tourism and education centre has been given the go-ahead despite concerns about road safety and traffic.

Neighbours to the proposed butterfly haven in Llanteg, Pembrokeshire, had objected to the proposal for the year-round visitor attraction featuring moths, butterfly, birds and insects.

The approved centre will be built in phases over seven to 10 years.

The proposal said it had the potential to bring 25,000 visitors a year.

The centre will have conservation biomes, a cafe, education centre, birdhouses, ponds and landscaping, along with car parking, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Four biomes - for European, South American, South East Asian and African species - would be built on the rough pasture land, wildlife gardens, ponds and nature reserve areas linked into existing wildlife corridors.

• Common blue butterfly makes a comeback

• Butterflies emerge in once-a-decade phenomenon

• In pictures: Painted lady butterflies

Planning agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries told Pembrokeshire planners that applicant Kevin Caley, a zoologist and marine biologist, was a "passionate man when it comes to moths and butterflies".

A "small scale" visitor centre would help fund the project and create 10 jobs, with conservation a key element, the agent added.

Plans for the Butterfly Haven eco-tourist attraction

Neighbour Malcolm Thomas told the committee of his concerns about highway safety and the impact on his access with increased visitors.

Councillors David Pugh and Vic Dennis agreed but the committee said conditions linked to the application would be sufficient to mitigate problems.

There were 17 letters of support and two against the proposed development.

Delegated power was granted for the interim head of planning to permit the application following the resolution of drainage issues.