Gateway Resort Llanelli Loses Planning Enforcement Appeals

A Welsh Government appointed planning inspector has upheld four enforcement notices issued by Carmarthenshire Council at Gateway Resort in Bynea, near Llanelli. The decision was reported by Wales Online on 6 November 2026.

What the notices cover

The council served the four notices in March this year, alleging planning breaches on parts of the site. They required the removal of glamping pods, clubhouse extensions and an underpass, the removal of caravans from the areas in question, and an end to the use of that land for siting static caravans. The owner was given 17 months to comply.

The notices relate to specific areas of the resort, not the whole park. Gateway Resort was founded around 25 years ago by owner Ken Strelley on what was his family's dairy farm.

The appeal decision

Mr Strelley appealed on the grounds that the steps required were excessive. The inspector upheld all four notices but amended some of the wording. One amendment states that land had changed use for the siting of static caravans for residential use by holidaymakers without planning permission, and that this use must stop and the associated hardstanding be removed.

According to the report, Mr Strelley acknowledged the 17-month deadline was generous and said he was willing to work with the council. The inspector noted that waiting for applications to be decided was not, in itself, a lesser step that would remedy the breaches.

Live applications could change the picture

Several planning applications are with the council, including a part-retrospective application for 40 glamping pods. The inspector's report said the council and the appellant can continue to progress those applications, and that the council has stated any relevant notices could be withdrawn if the issues are addressed and permission is granted.

A planning statement for the glamping pod application said the resort employs many people and, according to the council's own estimates, generates in excess of £20m a year for the Carmarthenshire economy. Wales Online said Mr Strelley and Gateway Resort had been contacted for a response.

What planning status can mean for owners

For anyone who owns a static caravan on any park, this case is a reminder that planning permission applies to specific areas of land. Where a pitch sits on land with full permission, an enforcement case elsewhere on the park may have no direct effect on it. Where a pitch sits on land under dispute, the outcome of applications and any compliance deadline could matter.

If you are unsure about the status of your own pitch, it may be worth asking your park for details of its site licence and planning position, and reading your licence agreement. Owners who are thinking about selling may also find our guide to what your static caravan is worth useful background.

Thinking about selling?

If you own a holiday home and are weighing up your options, Static Caravan Buyer can give you a free, no-obligation valuation and help with the park paperwork. We charge no commission when we buy your caravan. Payment is made on collection day before the caravan is loaded. Call us on 0800 644 5000 for a friendly chat, with no pressure to go ahead.