A call to convert an isolated former chapel, that “has withstood Atlantic gales and bleak, Pembrokeshire winters” for some 180 years, to a home and studio has been approved by National Park planners.

In an application to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Cathy Fisher, through agent KDJA, sought permission for a change of use of the former Rehoboth Chapel, near Square and Compass, Mathry to a mixed residential and studio/work use.

An officer report recommending approval said: “Rehoboth Chapel lies, surrounded by its graveyard, on the narrow minor road that links the small settlements of Mathry and Square and Compass.

“The chapel’s isolated position in the wild and rugged coastal landscape, makes it a prominent and iconic feature of the area – a well-loved building that has withstood Atlantic gales and bleak, Pembrokeshire winters to serve its dispersed, rural community for 180 years, until the end of its life as a chapel in 2021.”

It went on to say: “The current applicants purchased Rehoboth in May 2023. The Chapel had ceased to be used for its original purpose in June 2021 and the property was marketed in February 2022,” adding: “Although the building is not listed by Cadw, Rehoboth Congregational Chapel has significant historical value alongside its landscape value and its local importance, having served its community for 180 years.”

It said pre-application advice said there was a need to demonstrate that the chapel was no longer required and that a marketing exercise would need to be undertaken to sell it; the chapel placed on the open market from February 2022 and purchased by current applicants in May 2023.

“No alternative community uses were proposed during the marketing period. It is considered that the chapel was available on the market for an acceptable period of time and that as no alternative community uses have been proposed,” the report said.

The application includes a unilateral undertaking, for affordable housing, of some £23,450.

The report finished: “Overall, subject to appropriate conditions, the proposed scheme is considered to be acceptable in terms of scale, form, use and design.

“The development will not cause an unacceptably detrimental impact to the special qualities of the National Park. It is not considered that the development will cause an unacceptable impact on the privacy or amenity of neighbouring properties,” it added.

The application was conditionally approved by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planners.