Plans to bring at-risk historic Pembrokeshire buildings, back to use as homes have been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management commit, along with a related listed building consent also recommended for approval, Mr and Mrs JPH and MHH Roberts, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, sought permission for the conversion of Grade-II-listed outbuildings into three dwellings at Llwyngwair Home Farm, Newport.

A report for members said: “The proposed scheme is in keeping with the character of the listed buildings, and their setting in terms of design and form and the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

“The site comprises a complex of existing agricultural outbuildings including two Grade-II-Listed Buildings immediately south-east of Llwyngwair Mansion and just south-west of the Llwyngwair Home Farm.

“The buildings originally comprised coach housing and stabling for the mansion (facing the old back drive) with the buildings later used in conjunction with the more modern home farm when the mansion and grounds were redeveloped as hotel and caravan site.

“The buildings are on the authority’s Buildings at Risk Register as many of the original fixtures were removed and some openings altered, and the buildings are in varying states of condition.”

“Supporting information has been provided which demonstrates that the cost of conversion alongside a financial contribution for affordable housing would make the scheme unviable.

“The authority considers that in this instance the value of delivering a conversion scheme which will ensure the preservation and restoration of the listed buildings, is a significant material consideration which in this instance outweighs the need for a financial contribution.”

The committee heard some 70 trees, many of low value and some suffering ash dieback, would be removed but there would be “three-to-one” replanting, including hedge planting.

Moving approval, Cllr Di Clements said: “It’s absolutely no mean feat to take on this project, it’s important we recognise that, especially to save these gorgeous buildings.”

She was seconded by Cllr Steve Alderman, who said: “What a wonderful project this sems to me; I look forward to seeing it completed.”

Authority member Dr Madeleine Havard said the scheme was “enabling nature to continue to have its space whilst allowing people to be able to live somewhere, and also preserving an historic building.”

The application, and the related listed building consent, was overwhelmingly backed by members.