COUNCILLORS have voted to visit the site of a proposed ‘One Planet Development’ (OPD) home in Martletwy, Narberth.

The plans were discussed by the Planning and Rights of Way Committee on Tuesday , December 13.

A number of concerns have been raised about the application and a site visit was suggested for members to appreciate what was being proposed.

Representing Martletwy Community Council, Cllr Phillip Eynon said: “We object to the track going into the site, which is outside of the practice guidance of OPD. In dry summers, there may be a shortage of water which may require a l icense for water to be abstracted which may not be granted.

“No consultation has been done with three of the nearest neighbours, the nearest of which objects to the plans.

“The local climate is not conducive to the growing of trees. The local clay is not suitable for pots and this could be an eyesore.”

Local member Cllr Rob Lewis said: “Transport is one of the issues I have and it has been raised in the community.

“The OPD states that any development should be located near public transport – we don’t really have public transport in the area.

“The applicant has stated he has done as much as they can to reduce the reliance on vehicles.

“There is quite a long length of access track required to reach the proposed location and if this is to be constructed out of aggregates, then it is not a sustainable form of development. I have concerns over the distance to their nearest opportunities for sales, markets, etc. Narberth is over seven miles away and the number of residents in that area is quite low.

“The number of passing sales and passing traffic does raise some concern with me. I have some concerns as well about the suitability of the location and the land type; it is extremely heavy ground and I know the applicants are going to be taking advantage of the permaculture approach. However, I think they will have their work cut out; this is going to be a full-on job for them but they accept that.

“I have some concerns about their ability to produce the crops that they are proposing and I would suggest it might be useful for us to have a site visit. This is a challenging site; it’s an interesting option for this location and a site visit would be useful so members can fully appreciate the site and the challenges the applicant will face.”

The site visit was supported with eight voting in favour and four voting against.