### Ambitious Expansion for Five-Star Holiday Site Near Bluestone Earns Approval
A renowned luxury holiday destination in Pembrokeshire is set to broaden its appeal further after receiving planning permission to enhance guest facilities. Canaston Oaks, a five-star site situated near the popular Bluestone resort and the town of Narberth, was at the centre of the recent discussions by Pembrokeshire Council’s planning committee. The committee met on 29 July and unanimously backed proposals that will see the Gold Award-winning complex diversify its accommodation options.
The development, which has garnered approval as recommended by local planning officers, centres on a change of use for two of Canaston Oaks’ serviced holiday lodges. The new permission will allow these lodges not only to continue as serviced accommodation but also to function as self-catering units. This hybrid offering is designed to meet changing visitor expectations and respond directly to guest feedback.
The planning application, submitted on behalf of Canaston Oaks by Harries Planning Design Management, highlighted the site’s strong reputation for luxury stays. In a statement, the agent noted, “Canaston Oaks currently offers high-quality five-star accommodation and wishes to expand its facilities in line with evolving customer demand, thereby broadening the holiday experience on offer.” The site enjoys what they describe as a “strategic location” off the A40 at Canaston Bridge, placing it at the heart of a cluster of tourism and leisure destinations.
A key driver behind the proposal is the relative isolation of the site from essential amenities. With supermarkets, restaurants and other facilities located more than three miles away, many guests—including families and couples—have expressed a desire for self-catering options. For visitors arriving outside conventional hours, flexibility around meals and dining has become a significant consideration. By adding basic kitchenettes to two lodges, Canaston Oaks aims to provide an experience on par with other resorts in the region, notably the neighbouring Bluestone development.
Importantly, the planning documents confirm that these changes are entirely internal and will not require any external alterations to the lodges’ appearance or layout. This was emphasised in the planning officer’s report, which reassured committee members and local residents that the outward character of Canaston Oaks would remain intact. “The lodges are already in place and are arranged around a scenic lake within the existing grounds,” the report clarified.
Support for the proposal came from several councillors, with Brian Hall moving for approval and Simon Hancock offering his endorsement. The decision was reached unanimously, signalling widespread support both for the specifics of the application and for the site’s wider contribution to Pembrokeshire’s tourism sector. The committee acknowledged the importance of supporting local businesses as they adapt to the ever-shifting preferences of holidaymakers.
The news has already sparked interest across the region, as Pembrokeshire continues to see tourism as a key driver for economic growth. The area around Canaston Bridge, thanks to its proximity to major routes and a variety of attractions, is consistently popular with both domestic tourists and international visitors.
With the latest approval, Canaston Oaks is now poised to cater to a broader demographic, from those seeking full service to guests preferring the independence of self-catering accommodation. As Pembrokeshire balances rural charm with visitor demand, developments like this help shape the future of Welsh tourism, offering both luxury and flexibility in an increasingly competitive holiday market.
As always, observers will be keen to see how these changes affect both local businesses and the overall visitor experience, particularly as the holiday sector evolves in the wake of shifting travel habits. For now, Canaston Oaks’ blend of tradition and innovation has placed it at the forefront of luxury Welsh breaks.