A CALL to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire to holiday lets as a form of small farm diversification has been refused.

In an application recommended for refusal at the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds the proposal “would introduce three new self-catering accommodation units within a countryside location which is not considered to be a proportionate amount of development to support a farm enterprise of limited scale”.

It had previously been recommended for refusal at the December planning committee but was deferred pending a site visit.

An officer report then said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification for the 36-acre farm, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at that meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant before it closed several years ago.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing it would easily convert to holiday let use.

Speaking again at the March meeting, he said his applicant had now produced a business case, expecting the proposal would generate half the farm income, saying of the recommendation of refusal: “It almost seems like my client is punished for being a small farmer.”

He later added: “compared to a lot of farms in Pembrokeshire it is small; I think it’s very difficult to make a living out of 36 acres, he’s just a businessman trying to use a building.”

The business figure was debated, with estimations of the income ratio being closer to three-to-one in favour of the tourism side raised.

However, calls to go against officer recommendations and approve the scheme were moved by Cllr Brian Hall, who said the tourism operation was “the only thing that’s keeping him going at the moment,” adding: “I think we should give this applicant a chance; I think if we don’t do this a lot of these smallholdings are going to go out of business.”

Cllr Nick Neumann said the building not being used “doesn’t sit well with me,” warning: “I fear we are just making another building in our county redundant.”

Cllr Michael Williams, who had previously warned of the dangers about going against officer recommendations, saying it was time for a “reality check,” adding: “We have to determine this application as it is before us, not to look for ways round it; that’s the agent’s job.”

Committee chair Cllr Mark Carter, who had previously raised the three-to-one concern, said the business plan as received “doesn’t really stack up to show a form of farm diversification,” adding: “This new proposal with three units of holiday accommodation could well outstrip anything on the farming side by three-to-one.”

Cllr Hall’s call for approval was defeated by six votes to four, with the recommendation of refusal then taken, passing, also by six votes to four.

Industry experts warn midges could spread disease as temperatures rise

LIVESTOCK farmers are being urged to vaccinate their animals now against Bluetongue Virus (BTV) before warmer weather brings an increase in midge activity.

Veterinary experts say early vaccination is the best way to protect sheep, cattle, goats and deer from the disease, which is primarily spread by biting midges of the Culicoides species.

Bluetongue can also occasionally be transmitted from an infected dam to its offspring or during mating.

Phil Thomas BVetMed from Iechyd Da warned that farmers should not delay.

“Vaccination is now the only tool left in the box – there is no treatment,” he said.

“The vaccine takes several weeks to build protection in sheep and cattle, so farmers need to act early to ensure their animals are protected before midge season begins.”

Serious economic impact

Bluetongue can cause significant losses for farms even when animals survive infection.

Industry experts warn the virus can lead to sudden drops in milk production in dairy herds, abortions and stillbirths, infertility in breeding animals, and severe welfare problems including swelling, lameness and breathing difficulties.

Where the risk comes from

The disease can spread through several routes.

Local midge populations may already carry the virus in areas where outbreaks have previously occurred, particularly along the English and Welsh borders. Infected midges can also be blown across the sea from affected regions such as Devon, Cornwall or the east coast of Ireland.

Livestock carrying the virus in their bloodstream can then infect local midge populations, potentially triggering new outbreaks.

Farmers are also advised to take care when buying animals, particularly if they are coming from affected areas.

Warmer weather increases danger

Unlike many livestock diseases, Bluetongue spreads through biting insects rather than direct contact between animals.

Once temperatures consistently reach around 12°C, midge activity increases rapidly. By the time farmers see insects or hear about nearby cases, their livestock may already be exposed.

Fiona Lovatt, a sheep health specialist from Flock Health, advised farmers to plan ahead.

“If I had valuable stock, I would definitely be vaccinating my breeding cows and ewes,” she said.

“They need to be fully protected at least three weeks before June and, for cattle, that means having both doses completed by then.”

Steps farmers should take now

Veterinary experts recommend farmers contact their vet as soon as possible to check vaccine availability and schedule vaccinations well before peak midge season.

Transporting livestock also carries risks, as infected animals moved into disease-free areas can infect local midge populations and start new outbreaks.

Good hygiene during veterinary procedures is also important. Bluetongue can be spread mechanically via needles, so needles should ideally be changed between animals.

Managing the risk

Midge activity is typically highest at dusk and dawn. Housing animals during these times may help reduce the risk of infection.

Farmers are also advised to ensure livestock are in good overall health. Conditions such as BVD or parasite burdens, as well as poor nutrition, can weaken the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of vaccination.

Vaccination concerns

Experts say there is no scientific evidence that bluetongue vaccination during pregnancy increases the risk of abortion compared with other routine livestock vaccines.

Abi Reader, NFU Cymru President and a farmer at Goldsland Farm, said her herd was vaccinated despite many animals being pregnant at the time.

“A large proportion of our livestock were at different stages of pregnancy when we vaccinated, but we didn’t hesitate,” she said.

“The risk to their health from the virus was simply far greater than the risk of vaccination.”

Reporting suspected cases

Bluetongue remains a notifiable disease.

Farmers who suspect an outbreak should contact their vet or the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately on 0300 303 8268.

A CHARITY tractor road run across the Llŷn Peninsula will take place later this spring, raising money for two important health causes in north Wales.

The Welsh National Tractor Road Run (WNTRR) 2026 is scheduled for Sunday (May 31), starting at 10:00am from Crugarn Farm in Llanbedrog, near Pwllheli.

Organised by the Llŷn and Eifionydd Tractor Enthusiasts, the popular event will bring together tractor owners from across Wales and beyond for a scenic drive through the countryside while supporting charity.

This year’s run will raise funds for two beneficiaries: the Wales Air Ambulance and the Alaw Cancer Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

Support for vital services

The Wales Air Ambulance provides lifesaving emergency treatment across Wales, often reaching patients in remote rural areas where rapid response is critical. Meanwhile, Alaw Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd supports cancer patients and their families across north Wales.

Organisers say the tractor run offers a chance for the farming and rural community to come together while raising money for causes that make a real difference.

The event has become a highlight in the calendar for vintage tractor enthusiasts, with tractors of all makes and sizes expected to take part.

Entry details for participants

Entries are open to tractor owners who wish to take part in the run. Entry costs £20 if submitted before the closing date of May 20. On-the-day entries will be accepted at £25.

Participants are asked to ensure their tractors are fully insured and road legal, and that drivers hold the appropriate licence.

All tractors are welcome, although larger machines will be grouped together at the rear of the convoy. Transport boxes and trailers with safe seating will be permitted, but standing passengers or bales are not allowed.

Caterers will be present at the start point and again during the lunch break, with toilet facilities available.

Late entries may be accepted, although organisers say drivers submitting forms after the closing date might not receive a souvenir or have their names included in the official programme.

How to enter

Drivers wishing to take part can request an entry form or further details from the event secretary, Anne Bates, by emailing [email protected] or calling 07721 910405.

Entry forms should be returned to Little Gigrin, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5NU.

Organisers say the run promises a relaxed day out for tractor enthusiasts and supporters alike, while helping to raise funds for two vital Welsh healthcare charities.