Pembrokeshire County Council's planning committee has granted approval for a 'hobby farm' shed near a former vineyard.

Plans for a ‘hobby farm’ agricultural shed near the site of a former Pembrokeshire vineyard, made by a close family member of a part of the county’s planning service have been given the go-ahead, after an application was recommended for approval at the November 4 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, with Barry Cadogan seeking permission for the building at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was brought to committee rather than being decided by officers due to the family link with the service.

A report for members said the site, by the former Cwm Deri vineyard, sought to replace a prefabricated Nissen Hut which is in a poor state of repair; the replacement housing machinery, sheep and fodder/hay/straw.

The report added: “Oaklea is located in the countryside and extends to approximately 25 acres with a further 11 acres of rented land. The supporting statement states that the applicant intends to use all of the land for farming operations and that the new building is required to enable the storage of agricultural machinery and other plant which is already owned and used to maintain the land.

“During the course of the application, the applicant’s agent has provided additional information that details that the applicant has a range of agricultural machinery and livestock comprising 10–15 breeding ewes and a ram and several chickens. The shed would also be used to store hay cut from the land and to occasionally house livestock during the winter months.”

Speaking at the meeting, agent for the applicants, Andrew Vaughan-Harries said the smallholding “hobby farm” had suffered damage to existing buildings during recent storms.

Approval was moved by the planning committee’s Cllr Alec Cormack, with 11 members in favour and one abstaining.