PLANS for new horse breeding sheds in north Pembrokeshire for “the longest continuously run Welsh pony stud in the world,” which is seeking to relocate to the county, have been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the June meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Mr Davies, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, sought permission for the construction of an agricultural buildings for horse breeding stables at Let Wen, Felindre Farchog.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said a typical stable building to house breeding horses was sought, along with a building for feed, dung and implements to keep and maintain the horses within the site and two additional buildings proposed for general storage of items to run the agricultural business.

Detailing the background to the application, it said: “The horses on this site are breeding horses and the business trades under the name The Ceulan Stud and is the longest continuously run Welsh Pony Stud in the world.

“The business originally operated near to Aberystwyth, before relocating to Rhondda Cynon Taf for over 62 years. The business has now bought land in north Pembrokeshire and seeks to relocate here. The business operates with 10 breeding mares and two stallions and produces 10 foals per year all for direct sale.

“The proposed site allows for safe breeding of the stock, with the surrounding land being used for turning out the stock, which are only brought in to breed. The applicant does not ride the horses, and they are raised as livestock for sale.”

The application was brought for committee consideration as it was recommended for approval despite objections from local community council Nevern on the grounds including it being “a very large complex on a greenfield site,” with a loss of valuable agricultural land, and concerns about accessibility to and from the highway.

An officer report recommending approval said: “The proposal includes the erection of a stable block containing three stables together with ancillary feed storage, tack room, hay and implement storage buildings, turnout paddock, dung storage area, access improvements, permeable hardstanding, landscaping and biodiversity enhancement measures.

“The development has been amended following pre-application discussions to reduce the scale of development and minimise the amount of Grade 3a Best and Most Versatile agricultural land affected.”

It concluded: “In visual terms, whilst the proposal would introduce built development into part of an open field, the buildings are modest in scale and agricultural in appearance.

“The proposal also incorporates substantial mitigation measures including earth bunding, ecological buffers and significant native hedgerow planting intended to soften and assimilate the development into the wider countryside landscape over time.

“As such, the proposal is not considered unduly visually intrusive within the context of the surrounding agricultural landscape.”

The application was conditionally approved by committee members.

A NEW economic mission has been launched aimed at boosting pay and halving the productivity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK within ten years.

Adam Price, the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said the Welsh Government wanted to make Wales the easiest place in the UK to start, grow and invest in a business.

Welsh productivity currently stands around 15% below the UK average, a long-standing gap which ministers say has held back wages, business growth and living standards.

Delivering his first oral statement to the Senedd, Mr Price said the new approach would focus on supporting firms to expand, compete in high-value markets and create better-paid jobs.

The plan will be developed with businesses, trade unions, regional partners and the UK Government. It will also include reforms to the skills system, with a greater focus on helping workers progress rather than simply enter employment.

Mr Price said: “Today we announce a National Productivity Goal to close the gap with the rest of the UK and help unlock the full potential of the Welsh economy.

“For too long, Wales has struggled to close the gap with the rest of the UK when it comes to productivity. Announcing this target today shows our clear commitment to improving the lives of people living in Wales.

“By focusing on productivity, we will deliver higher pay, stronger businesses and thriving communities.

“This goal will give direction to our new Welsh innovation and development agency, shaping how we support businesses, develop skills and invest in the foundations of a stronger, more competitive Welsh economy.

“We are determined to turn ambition into action, creating a stronger, more productive economy that delivers for people in every part of Wales.”

Further details on how the productivity target will be measured and monitored are expected later this year.

JEREMY CORBYN is set to address the founding conference of Your Party Cymru in Aberystwyth next month, as the new left-wing movement prepares to organise in Wales ahead of the next Senedd elections.

The conference will be held at Aberystwyth University’s Penglais Campus on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, and will also be accessible online.

Organisers say the event marks a major step in the creation of a distinctly Welsh branch of Your Party, with its own constitution, structures and political strategy.

The party, founded at UK level last November, says it wants to provide a new voice for working-class communities following what it describes as the “disintegration” of Labour’s dominance in Wales.

Members from across Wales are expected to debate the party’s founding documents, standing orders, organisational strategy and political statement.

The conference will also include fringe events, workshops and speakers, with trade unionists, campaigners, community organisers and first-time activists invited to take part.

Mr Corbyn said: “Wales deserves a political movement rooted in solidarity, democracy and hope.

“Across our communities, people are facing rising costs, struggling public services and a political system that too often feels distant from their lives.

“Your Party Cymru has been built by people who believe Wales can do better — trade unionists, campaigners, community organisers and ordinary people who want politics to work for the many, not the few.”

Maria Donnellan, Wales CEC member, said the conference would be more than a launch event.

She said: “This will be a founding moment where members from across Cymru come together to decide our founding documents, shape our priorities and take collective ownership of the party’s future.

“Every member has an equal voice, every vote counts, and together we will begin building a democratic socialist movement rooted in the communities of Wales.”

The party says the conference follows a series of regional all-member assemblies held across Wales earlier this year, along with consultations on how the party should organise itself geographically and democratically.

In-person tickets are priced at £10 per day, with organisers asking members facing financial barriers to contact them for support.

Your Party Cymru is also recruiting volunteer stewards and accessibility stewards for the event.