Plans for a rural enterprise dwelling to support a Pembrokeshire horticultural business which supplies its produce to “some of the best restaurants in Wales” have been approved despite concerns from the local community council.
In an application recommended for approval at the April 22 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Southern Roots Organics/Awen Organics, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, sought permission for a rural enterprise dwelling, track extension, and associated works at Eithin Farm, Felindre Farchog, near Nevern.
This application was presented to the Development Management Committee as local community council Nevern had objected to the application raising material planning matters, contrary to the officer recommendation for approval.
An officer report says Eithin Farm comprises about 25 acres of agricultural land, with an additional seven acres to be rented by the applicants; the applicants running a horticultural business from the site, using multiple polytunnels and employing irrigation systems which require careful management.
The report says the business has been trading for over three years and can support a full-time worker, meeting criteria which addresses planning for sustainable rural communities. The proposal is said to meet these requirements, and the officer’s report confirms a genuine need for the dwelling.
Nevern, in its objection, said: “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. A restriction on the house, a tied house needs to be considered.”
Objections to the plan have also been received from members of the public raising concerns including foul water disposal and the application “has nothing to do with the new current business”.
However, a number of representations have expressed support for the application. Issues raised include the benefit of applicants living on site, helping to reduce travel and carbon emissions, and confirming support for local, small-scale horticulture, and the contribution the business makes to the community.
The report said there is an identified need for a rural worker’s dwelling, especially due to the need to quickly respond to changes in crop conditions and potential failures in irrigation or ventilation systems, the proposal “considered to be acceptable and a recommendation to grant permission is made”.
Speaking at the meeting, Adam and Dee of Southern Roots Organics/Awen Organics said the business employed 14 workers, including themselves, “supplying some of the best restaurants in Wales,” with thousands of trees planted, the business also having been shortlisted for an organic farm award.
Members heard they currently had a 20-minute commute to the site from Cilgerran, often starting work at 5.30am and working through to as late as 10pm.
Members also heard that alternative locations, as favoured by Nevern Community Council, would lead to the loss of apple trees in an orchard.
Members backed the officer recommendation, committee member John Hogg praising the applicants on their achievements.
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