Two holiday pods at The Cart House, Bethesda, Narberth

“Proposal: Retrospective siting of 2 self-catering accommodation pods at Vaynor Farm as part of a farm diversification enterprise.”

“The application seeks retrospective planning permission to secure the retention of two self- catering accommodation pods (known as Vaynor Farm Pod & The Paddock Pod) situated on land at Vaynor Farm, Bethesda.”

“Vaynor Farm is a 450 acre, 700 cow dairy farm located approximately 330 metres to the south-east of the Small Local Village of Bethesda, 2 kilometres to the north-east and 3 kilometres to the south-west of the Service Villages of Robeston Wathen and Clunderwen respectively; and 3 kilometres to the north-west of the Rural Town of Narberth.”

“Vaynor Farm Pod is located within the garden of The Cart House, a substantial dwelling situated at the southern western edge of the Vaynor Farm farmstead complex. The Paddock Pod is located at the north-western edge of a small paddock, immediately adjacent to a hedgerow forming a boundary with the principal access to the Vaynor Farm farmstead. The Vaynor Farm farmstead complex is situated on the other side of the access.”

“22/1020/PA - Retrospective siting of 2 self-catering pods as part of a farm diversification enterprise in conjunction with application at Broomley Farm. Refused 20/02/23.”

“This application was submitted alongside a retrospective planning application for the retention of a single self-catering accommodation pod (The Shepherd Hut) reference 23/0406/PA on land at Broomley Farm which is a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise. That application was refused under delegated powers on the 21 st October 2025 for the following reason:”

“It is recommended that delegated power be given to the Head of Planning to APPROVE the application subject to the completion of a Section 106 Planning Obligation to tie the development to the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise and the imposition of conditions to deal with the following matters:”

“Limit the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only; • Retain the vehicular parking and manoeuvring areas associated with each self- catering accommodation pod in perpetuity; • Secure landscaping & biodiversity enhancement.”

“A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation. The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification.”

“Both accommodation pods are sited adjacent to the existing Vaynor Farm farmstead complex, one within the garden of a dwelling forming part of the group of buildings. Officers are satisfied that their siting meet the relevant provisions of Policies GN.1 and GN.10 and that no unacceptable harm has arisen to the character and appearance of the area as a consequence of the development that has taken place.”

“The Planning Officer presented the application to the Committee.”

“Councillor Tony Wilcox noted his general opposition to retrospective applications but indicated conditional support subject to completion of the Section 106 agreement. • The Head of Planning emphasised that officers aim to support development and rural communities where policy allows. She confirmed the application met farm diversification policy requirements, supported by a robust business plan, and highlighted its scale compared to previous proposals.”

“The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows:”

“There were no votes against or abstentions.”

“That delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning to APPROVE the application subject to the completion of a Section 106 Planning Obligation to tie the development to the Vaynor Farm and the imposition of conditions to deal with the matters listed in Section 1.1 of the report.”

“If the section 106 agreement is not completed within three months of the foregoing resolution, then delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning to exercise discretion to refuse the application on the grounds of non-compliance with Policies SP 1, SP 16, GN.10, GN.17 and GN.19 of the LDP.”