A CALL to change Pembrokeshire farmland to a garden and wildflower meadow has been given the go-ahead despite it falling under a condition restricting the loss of such agricultural land.

In an application recommended for approval at the April 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Peter Jones sought permission for a change of use from agricultural land to garden, vegetable growing area and wildflower meadow/grove at Old Furzton Cottage, Maidenwells, near Pembroke.

The application was before committee members rather than being decided by officers under delegated powers as it was contrary to a policy of the development plan but was being recommended for approval.

An officer report for committee members said: “The proposal is for the change of use of the land to enable the agricultural field to be used for domestic purposes in conjunction with the dwelling known as Old Furzton Cottage. The land subject to this application is located outside of the curtilage of Old Furzton Cottage.

“Justification has been provided with the application to explain that the occupiers of the dwelling have a desire for a larger garden area to provide additional space for growing of fruit, salad and vegetables, tree planting and wildflower planting.”

One potential sticking point was the proposed site, some 0.4ha of land, falling into a Grade 3a agricultural land classification, defined as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land, which has tight planning controls against its potential loss.

The report added: “The use of the land at present is for agricultural purposes including making of hay and grazing of livestock, as such the land is underused for agricultural purposes. The development subject to this application would enable some agricultural use to continue, with the production of food from the site.

“Further to this there would be a net benefit to green infrastructure and biodiversity on the site. For these reasons there is justification for the small loss of BMV land.”

At the meeting, committee chair Cllr Mark Carter read out a submission form the applicant, who was unable to attend the meeting, saying the land had been purchased from Pembrokeshire County Council with the intention of creating a low-intensity and environmentally sustainable form of development.

Local member Cllr Steve Alderman said his first concern had been the loss of the BMV land, but pointed out the proposal would offer “massive biodiversity increases,” moving approval.

Members unanimously backed approval of the scheme.

A CALL for a further time extension for the implementation of a waste recycling facility in north Pembrokeshire has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application recommended for approval at the April 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Llew Rees of Gamallt ready mix concrete, through agent SLR Consulting Ltd, sought an extension of time, for the development of the facility on land adjoining Clunderwen Depot, Nevern Road, Glanrhyd, some 4km from Cardigan.

The application followed two previous successful time extension calls for the 2007-approved material recovery facility.

An officer report recommended approval, subject to a lengthy string of conditions including the scheme be commenced within 12 months of the decision date and no more than 24,999 tonnes of material be accepted.

“This section 73 application is to extend the commencement time limit for the previously approved Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) therefore the principle of the development has been previously considered, although some time ago in relation to the original permission.

“Whilst this is a section 73 application, because the commencement period has passed (as of March 22, 2025), granting this application would essentially give another opportunity for the proposal to be implemented.

“A refusal would mean that a new full planning application would be required as there is no longer an extant planning permission at the site. Therefore, whilst the consideration of section 73 applications is limited to those specific matters applied for, section 73 applications also need to consider the acceptability of the principle of the development as a new planning permission for the development would be issued, albeit with a one-year commencement of development timescale.”

It went on to say: “As confirmed in the original application, the Glanrhyd development is intended to focus on Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, suitable for the production of recycled aggregate, which would then be complementary to the applicant’s wider quarrying interests, and waste recycling aligned to the farming community in terms of the recycling of wood (for use as sawdust for animal bedding), composting of green waste, and recycling of tyres, none of which are catered for in the immediate local area.

“There are similar facilities to this, further afield in Pembrokeshire, but these are mostly south of Glanrhyd in Haverfordwest, Withybush and Milford Haven. However, the applicant highlights that these are some distance from the location of the proposed development and so would not be sustainable in terms of managing these waste arisings in the North Pembrokeshire area.”

It added: “The facility will make a positive contribution to the sustainable management of waste in Pembrokeshire and will help to drive the percentage of recycling up for the county.”

Moving approval, local member Cllr John T Davies said: “This proposal has been around with the county council nearly as long I have,” adding the details in the extensive report for members and the one-year extension was “reasonable”.

The application was conditionally approved.

Campaigners warn climate and nature crisis is already affecting communities and say stronger government action cannot be delayed

PEMBROKESHIRE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH has renewed calls for urgent action on climate change and nature loss following a recent film screening and discussion at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth.

The event focused on the growing threat posed by climate change and the decline of the natural environment, with campaigners warning that the challenges facing the country are more immediate and serious than many people realise.

The film featured broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham introducing presentations from a range of experts, including climate scientists and military voices. They called on the Government to launch a national response to the climate and nature crisis, showing the same level of leadership seen during World War Two and the financial crisis.

Those involved in the campaign say the aim is to push for a much stronger national effort to reduce emissions, protect wildlife and prepare communities for the effects of a more dangerous climate.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth said extreme weather, including heavier rainfall, is only the beginning of what lies ahead if urgent action is not taken.

They warned that climate and nature breakdown could increasingly damage public health, food systems, infrastructure, national security and economic stability.

The group says there is strong evidence that bold action would not only cut emissions and improve resilience, but also create jobs and improve lives.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth is calling for emergency legislation to speed up cuts in climate-changing emissions while investing in measures to help communities adapt.

For further information, contact Bettina Becker at Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth on [email protected]or 01437 563657.