RETROSPECTIVE plans for a Pembrokeshire horse menage have been allowed despite being on land of a quality which normally precludes development.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Grant and Kayli Goddard, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, sought retrospective permission to retain a horse menage on land South of Ferny Glen, Roch, works having been completed last March.

A supporting statement said one of the complications to the application was a predictive agricultural land classification changing the grade of the land from 3b to 2 as part of the most recent predictive classification.

Planning Policy Wales states that agricultural land of grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification, often known as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land, should be conserved as a finite resource for the future and should only be developed if there is an overriding need for the development and either previously developed land or land in lower agricultural grades is unavailable.

The supporting statement says there were mitigating factors, the holding being a mixed use one of forestry, agriculture and equestrian use, and development elsewhere on-site would potentially give rise to loss of sensitive green infrastructure and significant levelling and excavation works.

It added: “There is a need for the development inherent with the location of the stables, but also a need for the applicant for the wellbeing and health benefits of family members. The applicant lives and works a short distance from the site and therefore the site is the most logical location and essentially the only location for the development.”

It also said the area of the land “is small and insignificant within the wider land holding and extent of agricultural land in the locality”.

An officer report recommending approval said, following an agricultural land classification (ALC) report, the Landscapes, Nature and Forestry department of Welsh Government had been consulted regarding agricultural land quality.

“The department comment that a detailed ALC field survey is not practical or representative for such a small area (<1.0ha) especially in retrospect as soils have been disturbed on site. The ALC report therefore cannot be accepted as an accurate reflection of the land quality.

“The Landscapes, Nature and Forestry department consider that due to the small area of potential predicted BMV (0.12ha), exceptionally in this case the Department does not recommend the application of BMV agricultural land policy.”

The application was conditionally approved.

A CALL for a beer garden at the back of a Pembrokeshire seaside village bar could lead to binge and underage drinking, fights, and drunk punters relieving themselves by neighbouring properties, objectors have said.

At the next meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s licensing sub-committee, members will consider an application for a variation of a premises licence at The Bunker, Cambrian Terrace, Saundersfoot by Rebecca Evans by adding a beer garden area to the rear of this premises.

A report for members says the beer garden would have a capacity of 50, operating from 2pm to 9pm, monitored by CCTV and staff.

It adds: “During the consultation process the authority received correspondence disputing a right of way in respect of a fire exit marked on the original plan submitted at the rear of the beer garden. The applicant subsequently amended the plan to remove this exit.”

It goes on to say objectors raised other concern, which include: “The proposed external drinking area would create unacceptable noise and disturbance to the immediately adjoining residential and consented properties. With happy hours all-day-everyday and prices from £3.80 this is encouraging binge drinking”.

Other concerns include: “Visitors come to Saundersfoot to embrace the village coastal image it lends itself to. 50 customers is such a small space will definitely impair our [holiday letting] businesses as it such limited area,” and “I believe that if this goes ahead people will be loitering around the back of our premises in a drunk state, relieving themselves as they will not have access to toilets.

“They will be outside by our vehicles in the car park until all hours, if drunk they could damage our vehicles, fights could occur. The doors to the entrances to the flats are left open for holiday makers with young children, the guests to The Bunker may try to access the flats.”

Another concern raised was: “If the beer garden goes ahead children may have access to alcohol when individuals over the age of 18 purchase alcohol and give it to those underage in the garden. Those underage will be able to access the garden from the back gate. They may even be given the alcohol bought on the premises, off the premises, at the back gate area. This cannot be monitored by The Bunkers.”

It report also says there is no current planning consent for a beer garden on site, but stresses planning and licensing are separate regimes, adding the decision of the licensing authority “would not exempt an applicant from the need to apply for planning permission, where appropriate”.

Members will decide on whether to grant the licence amendment at the April 23 meeting.

New venture in Llandybie brings together Ghanaian cooking, Welsh produce and a shared love of community

A NEW café, kitchen and gallery celebrating West African food and culture has opened in the Carmarthenshire village of Llandybie.

Baobab Cymru officially opened at The College Inn on Friday (Apr 17), bringing a new food and arts venture to the Amman Valley community.

The business has been created by Ghana-born Adisa Amanor-Wilks, who has lived in the area for more than a decade and says the project is about blending the cultures she loves most.

Named after the iconic African baobab tree – often seen as a symbol of community, resilience and nourishment – the venue will serve a range of West African dishes alongside regular café favourites.

The menu includes jollof rice with chicken, goat, fish or vegan options, Red Red – a black-eyed bean stew served with fried plantains – and a variety of traditional soups, including light soup, okra soup and groundnut soup with chicken, goat or fish.

Sweet treats will also be on offer, including Chin Chin, a traditional West African snack made from crunchy fried dough.

Many of the ingredients will be locally sourced, with customers able to choose between takeaway and sit-in dining. The venue will also include a gallery space showcasing both African and Welsh artwork.

Baobab Cymru has created three jobs and is now open for takeaway orders, coffee, sit-in meals and gallery visits.

A grand opening celebration was set for Sunday (Apr 19), with free tasters and live music from kora player Josh Doughty and West African ensemble Successors of Mandingue.

Councillor Julian Tandy, Welsh language campaigner Aran Jones and Dai Nicholas were all expected to attend the launch.

Adisa Amanor-Wilks said: “This is about bringing two cultures I love together in one space.

“West African food, Welsh hospitality, and a place where people can gather, eat well and feel welcome. African roots. Welsh home.”

The business will operate bilingually in both Welsh and English.

For opening times and the full menu, visit the Baobab Cymru Facebook page.