Rural enterprise dwelling at Eithin Farm, Crymych, Felindre Farchog

What was proposed

The application sought a rural enterprise dwelling, a track extension, private foul drainage system and associated works.

“Ref No: NP/25/0616/FUL Proposal: Proposed rural enterprise dwelling, track extension, foul drainage system and associated works Site Location: Eithin Farm, Felindre Farchog, Crymych, Pembrokeshire, SA41 3XW”

“This application is being presented to the Development Management Committee in accordance with the scheme of delegation as the Community Council have objected to the application raising material planning matters, contrary to the Officer recommendation for approval. Summary: This application seeks consent for a rural enterprise dwelling, a track extension, private foul drainage system and associated works.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site forms part of an established horticultural business with eight polytunnels, fields, hedge banks, mature trees and agricultural buildings nearby.

“Constraints • Recreation Character Areas • Landscape Character Area • Affordable Housing Submarkets. Officer’s Appraisal The site in question is located approximately 600m north-east of Nevern, and approximately 5.5 km south of Glanrhyd. The land is currently being used in connection with an established horticultural business. To the south-east of the application site, there are currently 8 polytunnels sited in connection with the business.”

“The site is surrounded by fields to all directions, with hedge banks and mature trees forming the southern and western boundaries.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications for polytunnels and associated agricultural works included three approvals and one refusal.

“Relevant Planning History • NP/25/0659/FUL – Erection of 2 polytunnels – Approved • NP/23/0594/FUL – Full planning permission for 3 x polytunnels for agricultural use – Approved • NP/21/0819/FUL – Full planning permission for 5 x polytunnels, tracks, yard, new access, drainage works including pond and associated works for agricultural use – Approved • NP/21/0515/FUL - Full Planning permission for 5x polytunnels, tracks, yard, new access, drainage works including pond and…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Community Council objected to the location, while highways and ecology raised no objections and drainage approval was required.

“The application documents can be viewed here: Citizen Portal Planning - application details Consultee Response • Nevern Community Council: Object – 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.”

“It should be noted that amended information was received in relation to the proposed foul water system. As a result, the community council, NRW, PCNPA Ecologist and PCC Drainage Team were reconsulted. No updated responses have been received from the PCC Drainage Team, nor the Community Council at the time of writing, a verbal update will be provided at the meeting.”

Officer report

What people said

Supporters cited local food, employment, sustainability and reduced travel; opponents questioned foul-water arrangements, pollution risk and the business connection.

“A number of representations have been received, both in support of and in opposition to the proposal. The main points raised in support of the development include: • It would be beneficial for the applicants to live at the farm, reducing their carbon footprint and providing a great asset to the area • Supporting small-scale organic horticulture aligns with the Well-Being of Future Generations Act • Local food production must be supported • The enterprise provides clear…”

“The main points raised in opposition to the proposal include: • The discrepancy in relation to the foul water disposal method • Potential for rainfall to overwhelm the proposed reed bed and result in pollution of ponds • The application has nothing to do with the new current business.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicants described the thriving business, growing demand, family pressures, operational risks and reasons for choosing the proposed location.

Members’ views

Members accepted officers’ assurances about the development’s need and position and praised the applicants’ achievements.

“Members were content with the assurances from officers regarding the need for the development and its positioning within the site and commended the applicants for their achievements to date. The recommendation of approval was proposed by [name withheld], seconded by Councillor Clements and carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to conditions covering plans, drainage, planting, ecology, occupancy, finishes and other site controls.

“Decision: That the application be approved subject to conditions in relation to the timing of the development, accordance with plans and documents, foul drainage, planting, lighting, ecology, tree protection, occupancy of the dwelling, finishes, restriction of permitted development and under grounding of cables.”

Minutes