Barry Leisure Park owner defends caravan holiday makers

Mr Danter has proposed to build a holiday camp in Sully on land adjacent to both Ty Hafan childrens’ hospice and Beechwood College.

But the plans have divided opinion, with Ty Hafan saying they are “concerned” a holiday camp may be built next to them, while some members of the public have said they are worried about the noise that could be generated.

However, Mr Danter has made a heartfelt defence of the sort of clientele he is hoping to attract, saying the facilities provide many working-class people with affordable holidays.

Mr Danter is determined to go ahead with his holiday camp plans in Sully (Image: Newsquest)

Henry Danter reveals the number of caravans that could be on the site

What hasn't been clear is what will the site look like. Until now.

Plans have been drawn up and are on the verge of being submitted to Vale County Council planning department. Planning officers will examine the proposals and decide if amendments need to be made, or if they accept or reject them outright.

If the department decides the plans are large enough to constitute a “major development”, a public consultation will be held.

We can reveal, after speaking to Mr Danter, he estimates 150 caravans could be built on the site, with room to house a family of three to four in each one. That means there's potential for as many as 600 guests on the site at any one time - with staff on top of this.

Mr Danter told us there would be no houses built, but cabins, similar in style to what has been done at the Goodsheds near Barry dock, with the sleek black conversion of shipping containers.

Henry Danter has hinted at what could go on his site in Sully (Image: PA Media)

Could Mr Danter's development look something like this? (Image: Google Maps)

‘They are not bad people. Do they want industrial units there?’

While many argue Mr Danter’s plans could cause disturbance to Ty Hafan and the families there, Mr Danter has claimed holiday camps are not noisy places.   

“They are not bad people that go on holiday to caravan parks,” said Mr Danter. “This is a reasonably priced holiday that working-class people can afford.

“I get people who go to the leisure park then come to me and ask where can we stay that is reasonably priced?

“We will not make any noise. We know how to run these sites.”

Mr Danter also suggested he will not leave the site vacant, and that if his holiday camp plans are blocked it would be used for light industrial, which would not be as visually appealing.

“Wales has some beautiful sites and this is one of them," he said. "Why do we not use it?

“It’s either a holiday camp or light industrial. What do people want to see? Industrial units all over it? It would not look as nice.”