In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Ryan Boswell and family seek permission for two traveller family pitches, and associated works, at Greenwells, Cosheston Bridge, near Pembroke Dock.
A supporting statement through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd says: "The applicant and his father's lifestyle and traditions fall within the statutory definition of Gypsies as defined in Welsh Assembly Government Circular 005/2018 'Planning for Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sites'.
"Following the death of the applicant's mother he, and his family need to return to cultural and traditional accommodation living in caravans. This site has been purchased by the applicant and is available for immediate occupation to enable the family to live in a tranquil and safe environment close to friends and acquaintances.
"There are no public or private pitches available within the county and unlikely to be so in the immediate future. The applicant has therefore identified and demonstrated an urgent need for appropriate alternative accommodation."
It said it was not considered "this small-scale development for one family pitch for two static units in this location will cause any significant harm considering the more permissive approach provided by [planning circulars]".
A call for a decision on the scheme to be made by councillors at a future planning committee rather than being delegated for officers was made at the December 16 meeting of the council's planning delegation panel by local member Cllr Tessa Hodgson.
In her submission, Cllr Hodgson said: "This application has implications for the whole of Pembrokeshire, and this is reflected in recent decisions to refer earlier similar applications to committee."
Her submission included references to a similar scheme at Pincheston, south Pembrokeshire, which had been referred to committee.
Cllr Hodson's submission added: "This application for two gypsy traveller pitches will have an impact on the local community and is finely balanced between the competing interest of providing gypsy traveller sites against development in open countryside on a site which is not within the identified development boundaries in either the currant local development plan or LDP 2."
It was recommended a decision on the scheme remain delegated to officers; a report for members outlining a list of criteria where it could be decided by committee, which it said were not met.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Hodgson said there was little difference between this scheme and some other applications in the Cosheston area which had gone to committee, suggesting it warrants committee consideration on the grounds the proposed scheme, which has attracted a petition of concern of some 178 signatures, was outside the settlement boundary, in the open countryside.
Councillor Phil Kidney moved Cllr Hodgson's call be approved, against officer recommendation, so both sides could have their say.
"There's community concern regarding this; I think if it goes to committee it gets a fair hearing all sides can make their representations. Sometimes these applicants are demonised, it gives an opportunity to make their case at committee. I'm quite happy to support it going to committee so everyone can get a fair hearing."
Cllr Kidney's call, against the recommendation of officer delegation was supported by three votes to two, with one abstention, Cllr Hodgson, on the grounds she had made the call.
The application will be heard at a future planning committee.