Tourist accommodation unit at Cresswell Barn Farm, Cresswell Quay, Kilgetty

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to continue using land for a mobile unit as tourist accommodation, with a veranda and terrace.

“Proposal: Continued use of land for stationing of a mobile unit for occupation as tourist accommodation with associated veranda/terrace.”

Officer report

The site and unit

The unit is within a screened farm complex in the countryside, with one bedroom, living space, a veranda and about 60 square metres of floor area.

“The site is located within the countryside, approximately 3.3 km to the north-west of the settlement of Jeffreyston. The site consists of an irregularly shaped parcel of land located within an existing farm complex known as Cresswell Barn Farm. The site lies to the south of the farm with existing farm buildings located directly to the north and east. The site is screened via the existing buildings and enclosed with existing vegetation and timber fencing.”

“The unit is of a mono-pitched roof design, clad in profile sheeting, with timber veranda and posts. Internally the unit comprises of a single bedroom, which is en-suite, and an open plan lounge/kitchen dining area. The unit has a floor area of approximately 60 square metres and an internal height of approximately 2.65 metres. The unit is considered to be of an attractive design that provides a bespoke form of holiday accommodation.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and enforcement

Enforcement investigations concerned the unit’s residential and holiday use; a lawfulness application was refused, an appeal was withdrawn, and enforcement remains ongoing.

“An enforcement investigation (ref. INV/0384/12) was initiated at the site in December 2012 in relation to an allegation that a caravan was located at the site and was being used for residential purposes. This investigation was closed in February 2023 and a new case opened under enforcement ref. INV/0155/22 in November 2022 for an allegation that a structure at the site was being used for holiday letting purposes.”

“Planning application ref. 23/0194/CL sought to regularise the breach of planning control (enforcement ref. INV/0155/22) through seeking a certificate of lawfulness for an existing use by claiming the unit had been used for residential purposes for a period in excess of 10 years, however insufficient evidence was provided to issue a certificate of lawful development and the application was subsequently refused on the 25 th July 2023.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the holiday unit supports the farm, fits the rural setting and has no unacceptable effects on amenity, highways or biodiversity.

“The holiday unit is located adjacent to buildings that make up the farm complex, with the accommodation offering guests an immersive rural experience that introduces them to aspects of the rural economy. Information submitted in support of this application confirms that the income from the holiday uses at the site is critical to supplementing the potato farming enterprise.”

“The unit is of a small and simple scale, constructed of quality materials and is located on a secluded parcel of land within the farm complex. The site is discreet and away from any public vantage points with no immediate residential properties in the vicinity. The scale and form of the unit is considered to be sympathetic to the rural setting. Service requirements already exist at the site and the guests have the ability to purchase potatoes directly from the farm.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee and said refusal would harm the farming operation by removing important income during periods of limited cash flow.

What members discussed

Members discussed the consequences of refusal and the difference between private treatment systems and mains sewer connections for nutrient impacts.

“The Chair then invited questions from Members to the Applicant.”

“Councillor Alec Cormack asked the Head of Planning to clarify the distinction between the current proposal and a previous application affected by nutrient neutrality requirements, particularly in relation to connection to a private treatment system rather than the mains sewer.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to approve under delegated authority was carried by eleven votes, with no votes against and no abstentions.

“Councillor Brian Hall Moved the recommendation for the delegated authority to approve the application subject to completion of a Section 106 legal agreement; Seconded by Councillor Chris Williams.”

“There were no votes against or abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

Delegated power was granted to approve the application subject to a legal agreement linking the holiday unit to the agricultural unit and the stated conditions.

“That delegated power be granted to the Head of Planning to APPROVE the application subject to completion of a section 106 legal agreement preventing the separation of the holiday unit from the agricultural unit and subject to the conditions outlined in Section 1.1 of the report.”

Minutes