We're being forced to rip down our entire holiday park after splashing our life savings… but we have one last hope
HOL NO We're being forced to rip down our entire holiday park after splashing our life savings… but we have one last hope
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A COUPLE have been ordered to tear down the holiday park they invested their life savings into - but they have one final hope.
Bonnie Fisher, 53, and Shane O'Neill had previously dreamed of an idyllic retirement complete with their own glamping site.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
6
The council said the site was largely unauthorised
Credit: WNS
6
It features three glamping pods which could be torn down
Credit: WNS
6
Bonnie Fisher, 53, is determined to keep the campsite
Credit: WNS
6
Shane O'Neill and Bonnie built a new reception area and toilet and shower block
Credit: WNS
The couple spent their life savings on the project four years ago.
They both sold their homes, as well as a jointly-owned cottage they had renovated, to buy the farmhouse and campsite in the country in Llangain, near Carmarthen, Wales.
The site has certification by the Caravan and Motorhome Club for five caravans, motorhomes or trailer tents.
It later expanded to include three glamping pods before the couple bought the site - and currently has 29 pitches.
Parts of the site needed significant work, as the pair replaced a toilet and shower block, in addition to constructing a new reception building.
This cost thousands on top of the initial purchasing cost.
However, the council has now ordered the couple to tear down the buildings, as well as the glamping pods.
It claimed that the site "was largely unauthorised".
The couple, who live in the farmhouse, could be forced to close Church House Farm Getaways as a result.
Bonnie, a nurse who runs a private aesthetics clinic, said: "This is our retirement project. We sold my house, we sold Shane's house, and we sold a jointly-owned cottage which we'd renovated to buy this place.
Shocking moment mob beats up Brit tourist after he 'ploughs into woman while pulling wheelie on motorbike' in Thailand
"We've got no plans to enlarge it. Visitors always get a good welcome. We like to see people come and enjoy themselves."
Carmarthenshire Council previously refused a planning application in 2006 for 30 touring pitches and a toilet and shower block due to highway safety.
It had previously granted temporary permission for a portable toilet block for two years in 2004.
Bonnie and Shane said they were unaware the new shower block and reception building required planning permission.
They then applied retrospectively, but this was denied by the council who said that the site was largely unauthorised.
A further application for a certificate of lawfulness for the three glamping pods was also refused.
In March of this year, an enforcement notice ordered the couple to remove the glamping pods, toilet and shower block, and reception building.
They were also ordered to stop using the land as a caravan and campsite.
An exemption was made for the area that had been certified by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
While the couple did acknowledge to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales that a planning breach had occurred, they argued that the site expansion could be lawful because it had been there so long.
Their agents urged the planning inspector to extend the three-month deadline so that they could draw up a certificate of lawfulness application or other planning applications to the council.
But the inspector turned the appeal down saying that extending it to 12 months "would considerably prolong the identified public harm".
In the hopes of keeping their beloved site, their planning agents are submitting a certificate of lawfulness application to the council arguing that it is in keeping with its historic wider use.
This could help ensure that the toilet and shower block, reception building and glamping pods remain.
Bonnie said: "We would appeal it. If that decision was upheld we would have to close it (the site) down."
The site has won awards in recent years while some neighbours have backed the couple to say the site was well run, an asset to Carmarthenshire, and that steps were taken to ensure a free flow of traffic when caravans arrived.
Bonnie said a council tourism officer visited the site and estimated it was worth £2.6 million in visitor spend to the wider economy.
A council spokeswoman said: "As the local planning authority, Carmarthenshire Council does not condone unauthorised development and will use its full range of powers to seek to regularise development in the public interest."
6
The site has won several awards and received good reviews from visitors
Credit: WNS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
4 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Beer crowned ‘best in Scotland' after double gold win at global awards
The firm's beers are enjoyed in over countries worldwide, and are particularly loved in Canada and Sweden. HOPPY DAYS Beer crowned 'best in Scotland' after double gold win at global awards Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BEER brand has been crowned the 'best in Scotland' after scooping a top award two years in a row. Innis & Gunn achieved a double Gold win at a prestigious awards ceremony that celebrates the best of the industry across the globe. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Innis & Gunn was crowned the best beer in Scotland Credit: PA:Press Association 2 The beer giants scooped a double Gold win at a prestigious awards ceremony Credit: Alamy The winners of the World Beer Awards 2025 were announced on Wednesday, August 13, at an event at The Great Hospital in Norwich. The annual global competition is judged by international beer experts who crown the best brews in each style and country. Every year, they taste and applaud a range of drinks from different brewers to recognise excellence in the global beer industry. And this year, Innis & Gunn was crowned the best in Scotland for the second year running. It also scooped a double gold after judges were impressed with the beer legend's The Original, which took home a gold in the Wood Aged category. While the brand's Lager Beer retains gold in Classic Pilsener. Scotland's brewing scene is world-class and these wins put Scottish beer firmly on the global map Dougal Gunn Sharp It comes after a huge year of cultural partnerships for the beer giants - including the Edinburgh Fringe, Celtic Connections, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Innis & Gunn beers are enjoyed in over countries worldwide, and are particularly loved in Canada and Sweden. And the latest win marks another accolade for The Original, which has been winning awards for the past 22 years. The beer was launched in 2003 and is matured using oak for a smooth, rich flavour. BrewDog beers axed by almost 2,000 pubs across the UK It was the beer that first put Innis & Gunn on the map, and it boasts 22 years of heritage and a unique maturation process. Using hand-selected single malt whisky casks, it develops a rich, smooth character with layers of vanilla, toffee, citrus and gentle oak. Its honey-gold colour and velvety mouthfeel set it apart, delivering a balanced, complex beer. Dougal Gunn Sharp, founder and master brewer, said: 'This is an immensely proud moment for the team, particularly seeing Lager Beer maintain back-to-back gold status. "World-leading beer that could only come from Scotland. "We've been making Original for over two decades, and it continues to win awards and delight customers in Scotland and beyond. 'This is the global benchmark for brewing excellence, and a real testament to the hard work and craft of the team. "Scotland's brewing scene is world-class and these wins put Scottish beer firmly on the global map.'
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Families on Universal Credit can apply for free cash worth £800 to help with the cost of living – are you eligible?
The amount you can borrow depends on your circumstances HELPING HAND Families on Universal Credit can apply for free cash worth £800 to help with the cost of living – are you eligible? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRUGGLING households could get a lifeline worth up to £812 in one-off payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The cash is available through Budgeting Loans, designed to help cover shock expenses like essential household items or unexpected travel costs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The interest-free loan could help you out of a tight spot Credit: Getty It is important to note that this is not a grant, but a loan, and will be deducted in instalments from future benefit payments until repaid in full. However, unlike commercial bank or credit card loans, there are no interest charges, making it a safer option for those struggling. But there's a catch – only those who've been on certain benefits for six months can apply. And while it's not free money, you'll only pay back what you borrow, with repayments automatically taken from your benefits. Who is eligible? Anyone who has received Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension for over six months is eligible to apply. However, if you have earned more than £2,600 or £3,600 for combined couples in the last six months, it will not be granted. Also if you have savings or capital over £1,000, the jobcentre will reduce the amount you can borrow by the amount of money you have over that amount. For example, if you have £1,250 in your savings, your loan will be reduced by £250. Capital is defined as savings and some types of property. You also cannot apply if you are still repaying a previous Budgeting Advance loan. If granted, repayment will usually be split over 24 months, but if you stop receiving the benefit, you will still have to repay the loan in full. What shock expenses does it cover? Whilst each case is assessed individually, some examples of what the loan is designed for are: A one-off replacement, such as replacing a broken fridge Work-related expenses such as purchasing a uniform or tools Unexpected expenses, such as your car breaking down Repairs to your home Maternity expenses Funeral expenses Moving costs or rent deposit Essential items such as clothes For an exhaustive list, see the government website here. How much can you borrow? The smallest amount you can borrow is £100, but the maximum amount you are entitled to depends on your family situation. You can borrow: £364 if you are single without children £464 if you are in a couple without children £812 if you have children How to apply for the loan? Often, the terrifying costs that the loan is designed for are sudden, so you can usually expect a decision on the day you apply. You can apply for the loan in the journal of your Universal Credit account, with your nearest Jobcentre or via the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644. Your work coach will assess whether you are capable of repaying the loan and will ask about existing debts and capital. Citizens Advice said that whilst you can't appeal the decision, if you can prove that your circumstances have changed, you can ask for it to be looked at again. What if I am not eligible or haven't received benefits for six months? If you have applied for Universal Credit or other eligible benefits but have yet to receive your first payment, you won't apply for a Budgeting Advance, but might apply for an Advance Payment. This can entitle you to 100% of your first Universal Credit payment to get you on your feet, as payments are paid retrospectively based on your earnings from the previous month. If you are within your assessment period and have had an interview at a Jobcentre you can apply online through your Universal Credit account and it will conveniently calculate the amount you are entitled to borrow. If you have passed the first assessment, you will need to speak to your work coach or call the helpline. Either way, you will usually have a decision on the day. Like the Budgeting Advance, it is critical that claimants understand that Advance payments are a loan and will be docked off future payments. New claimants usually are given up to two years to pay it back and in extreme circumstances, the repayments can be delayed up to three months. If you stop receiving Universal Credit, you will still have to repay the loan through wages or an alternative benefit.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Best' Chinese takeaway suddenly closes in Scots town as customers cry ‘I need to stock up'
Staff revealed their last night was 'crazy busy' and 'emotional' 'I'M GUTTED' 'Best' Chinese takeaway suddenly closes in Scots town as customers cry 'I need to stock up' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BOSSES of a much-loved Chinese takeaway in a Scottish town have announced its sudden closure, leaving customers "gutted". Chung's has been hailed as one of the "best" takeaways in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, by locals. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Chung's, in Hamilton, announced its shock closure Credit: GOOGLE MAPS The family-run Asian restaurant, located on Quarry Street, has been serving customers for 12 years after first opening in 2013. But now bosses have now revealed that they decided to close the diner for good due to "personal reasons". Staff said that they officially pulled the shutters down for the final time last night. Chung's first told locals that it would be shutting down with a post on social media on Friday night. In it, staff apologised for the late notice but thanked everyone for their support over the years. It read: "We hate to make this announcement so late and off the back of being closed for two days. That's a wrap, thank you to everyone for the gifts and kind words, it's been an emotional night... Truly feeling the love Staff at Chung's "Tomorrow night, Saturday 16th, will be our final night in Chung's. "It's been a great 12 years, and it's not been without its highs and lows, but we soldiered on. "So from everyone, from mum and dad, my sister, me, Lillie, Mo, Donna, and everyone who worked at Chung's past and present, goodbye and thank you". In an update this morning, staff revealed their last night was "crazy busy" and "emotional". Award-winning UK restaurant chain shuts ALL its sites as it goes bust after nearly a decade in business They said: "And that's a wrap, thank you to everyone for the gifts and kind words, it's been an emotional night. "It's been a crazy, busy night, we even had to call dad back out of retirement to lend a hand. "Truly feeling the love. Thanks again, everyone." Gutted locals flocked to the comments to share their disappointment at the closure and praised Chung's for its delicious food. What is happening to the hospitality industry? MANY food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans. The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a 'challenging' start to the year. Stonegate, has raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans. The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a 'challenging' start to the year. Stonegate, has raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts. One person said: "Your food was always top quality, ordered from you guys for many years. You should be proud of making so many tummies happy." Another added: "Omg it's the best Chinese takeaway about". Someone else wrote: "Not going to lie, but I'm going to panic buy and fill my freezer up". While a fourth posted: "Best salt and chilli, don't know where I'll go now, nobody does it like Chung's". A fifth chimed in: "So sorry to hear this, you've served Hamilton well". And another said: "Oh no, I'm gutted!"
