A PEMBROKESHIRE dairy farm building became workspaces for craftspeople, web designers, marine surveyors, and even TV production after bovine TB restrictions were lifted and the herd sold, planners were told.
In a retrospective planning application, recommended for approval at the April 29 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Little Pencoed Farms Ltd sought permission for the extension and modification of a building previously approved and its alternative use at New Pencoed, near Cresswell Quay.
A report for members said the 100ha dairy farm business with a 100-head herd had, in 2019, needed the cattle yard covered to comply with pending regulation changes.
It added: “The dairy herd had been subject to tuberculosis (TB) infection and its small size in conjunction with increasing costs had led to concerns about its profitability as an ongoing part of the business. Nevertheless, the pending regulatory changes had to be addressed, and a planning application was made for the provision of a building of 334sq m in area for use as a covered collection yard which was approved on July 12, 2020.
“A contract for the building’s erection was then let and construction commenced in August 2021. However, and unexpectedly, required ongoing testing of the dairy herd established that it was TB free in the Spring of 2021.
“In consequence a decision was made to sell the herd. The approved building was not completed in its entirety, being reduced in length by a single bay, a reduction in floor area of approximately 45sq m.
“The applicant has advised that initially the newly constructed building was put to agricultural uses. However, a decision was then taken to extend the building by a single bay in width and to let it for B1 (Business) uses.”
The building was subdivided into seven ‘studio’ units along with a woodworking workshop and six desk spaces in a communal office space, with a Gigabyte standard of broadband provision and on-site EV charging.
“The workspaces are occupied by thirteen tenants employed in a variety of occupations including: fabric machinist, potter, cycle technician, artist, textile & print design, sculpture, web design, marine biology, marine surveying, insurance data analysis, renewable energy & TV production,” the report said.
It added: “All of the tenants reside within the local area at: Saundersfoot, Pembroke, Neyland, Penally, Martletwy, Manorbier Newton, Cosheston, Cresselly, Lawrenny, Lamphey & Loveston. Six of the 13 tenants regularly cycle to work.”
Speaking at the April meeting, agent Geraint john said there was “no attempt to flout the planning system,” adding the scheme “organically developed from that point”.
Moving approval, Cllr Mark Carter said: “I am a fan of farm diversification, obviously this farm has hit upon something that is working for them; I’m quite happy to move approval on this one.”
Members unanimously backed the recommendation of approval.
