PLANS for a rural enterprise dwelling to support a Pembrokeshire horticultural business are being recommended for approval despite concerns from the local community council.

In an application recommended for approval at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Southern Roots Organics/Awen Organics, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seeks permission for a rural enterprise dwelling, track extension, and associated works at Eithin Farm, Felindre Farchog, near Nevern.

This application is being presented to the Development Management Committee as local community council Nevern has objected to the application raising material planning matters, contrary to the officer recommendation for approval.

An officer report says Eithin Farm comprises about 25 acres of agricultural land, with an additional seven acres to be rented by the applicants; the applicants running a horticultural business from the site, using multiple polytunnels and employing irrigation systems which require careful management.

The report says the business has been trading for over three years and can support a full-time worker, meeting criteria which addresses planning for sustainable rural communities. The proposal is said to meet these requirements, and the officer’s report confirms a genuine need for the dwelling.

Nevern, in its objection, said: “The living accommodation is supposed to be part of the business, it needs to be closer to the sheds, making the whole enterprise more aesthetically pleasing. The area designated for future seasonal agricultural workers would be an areas that would be more appropriate for a traditional cottage. A restriction on the house, a tied house needs to be considered.”

Objections to the plan have also been received from members of the public raising concerns including foul water disposal and the application “has nothing to do with the new current business”.

However, a number of representations have expressed support for the application. Issues raised include the benefit of applicants living on site, helping to reduce travel and carbon emissions, and confirming support for local, small-scale horticulture, and the contribution the business makes to the community.

The report says there is an identified need for a rural worker’s dwelling, especially due to the need to quickly respond to changes in crop conditions and potential failures in irrigation or ventilation systems.

It concludes: “The evidence submitted with this application, having been assessed by PCNPA’s Agricultural Advisors, is sufficient to demonstrate that an essential need exists for a rural enterprise dwelling, and that the proposal meets the tests set out in [policy].

“The siting and design of the dwelling are considered acceptable with no concerns in relation to landscape impact, amenity or biodiversity. Overall, the proposal is considered to be acceptable and a recommendation to grant permission is made.”

PLANS for a series of decorative mosaics as part of a community art project at Pembrokeshire’s only city hall have been approved.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St Davids City Council sought permission for three decorative mosaic community art project panels on St Davids City Hall, High Street, two to the front and one to the rear of the building.

An officer report recommending approval said: “No adverse comments have been received from consultees, and no third-party representations have been received. It is not deemed that the mosaic panels would have an adverse impact upon the character or appearance of the St Davids Conservation Area, nor the street scene in general.”

It goes on to say: “City Hall is located within St Davids Conservation Area – The City, as defined within the Authority’s SPG. This area is mainly late Victorian, with a number of properties dating from the early nineteenth century. This was effectively a second phase of rebuilding in the city.

“The main element of the city is the informality of the built form, reflected in varied boundary treatments and the tendency towards pairs and short groups as opposed to long terraces. The Buildings Conservation Officer has been consulted and notes that the proposal has a negligible impact upon character and appearance of the conservation area.”

It added: “Neither is it deemed that harm would be caused to the special qualities of this part of the National Park. The artworks would contribute to the vibrancy of the city centre and would not appear visually intrusive. Overall, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable, and a recommendation to grant permission – subject to suitably worded conditions – is made.”

It adds: “Whilst City Hall itself is not listed, the cottage (No 18 High Street) is Grade-II-listed. Whilst the Buildings Conservation Officer refers only to the impact upon the conservation area, he has verbally confirmed that the proposed mosaics would not have an adverse impact upon the setting of this listed building.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Memorial hall opened to help those affected after blaze in Station Road area

A FAMILY escaped without injury after a major house fire in the Station Road area of Letterston, according to local residents.

The blaze prompted a major emergency response on Wednesday (Apr 15), with fire engines seen at the scene and the road closed while crews tackled the incident.

People posting in the Letterston community group said the family was safe, although one kitten was sadly lost in the fire.

One resident wrote: “They lost a kitten, but the family were ok. Nothing worse than a fire. There were 4 fire engines here at one time.”

Others described hearing multiple sirens and seeing smoke rising from the area, with one local woman saying her partner could see the fire engines from nearby fields.

As news of the fire spread, the local community quickly rallied round. The memorial hall was opened for anyone affected, while residents offered practical help and support to the family.

Messages posted online described the loss of the home as heartbreaking, with one resident writing that while the house had gone, the family were “alive and well to make more new memories”.

The Herald has approached the emergency services for official confirmation on the cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage.