A Pembrokeshire care home that has operated without the required planning permission for more than 20 years has applied to continue operating.

Orbis Education and Care, through planning agent DPP Planning, has applied to Pembrokeshire County Council for a lawful development certificate for Bangeston Hall near Pembroke Dock, where the use began in 2003.

Bangeston Hall is a Grade II-listed manor house and specialist care home on a seven-acre smallholding, about 1.5km east of Pembroke Dock and 1.5km north-east of Pembroke along the A477.

A lawful development certificate can confirm that a development or use is lawful if the applicant proves it has continued for a prolonged period without enforcement action.

A supporting statement accompanying the application says the Lawful Development Certificate was “part of a wider programme of regularisation” for Orbis Education & Care.

It said Bangeston Hall has operated continuously as a regulated residential care home since 2003, providing round-the-clock care for adults aged 18 to 65 with complex needs linked to autism under the oversight of Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).

It adds: “As a leading provider of specialist education and care for children and adults with autism and complex needs, Orbis creates safe, nurturing environments where individuals can thrive.

“Every service is built around the belief that everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and live with dignity and independence.”

It goes on to say: “The facility delivers an essential service, offering safety, stability, and specialist support to some of the most vulnerable individuals in society.

“This application for lawful development seeks to regularise the site’s established use, ensuring that its vital role in safeguarding and supporting vulnerable adults can continue without uncertainty.”

The application includes previous registration certificates, inspection reports, council tax payment statements and health and safety assessments.

It stresses that information provided in support of the certificate is “heavily redacted due to the sensitive nature of the existing use of the site and to maintain confidentiality and protect operational integrity”.

County planners will consider the application at a later date.

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Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The Labour Government said that it wants to limit the requirement for public notices when it comes to licensing and, previously, the Cardiff Bay administration backed down on a suggestion that your county council would not have to publish in print its plans for tax or services charge increases.