A call to change the use of a Pembrokeshire farm holiday cottage to a crochet workshop has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr and Mrs Evans of Lochmeyler Farm, Llandeloy, sought permission for a change of use of a self-catered cottage to a crochet workshop.

A supporting statement says the application “seeks to continue to evolve with current market demands,” the cottage proposed for the change of use once a former outbuilding that was originally converted in 1992 into “a well-established holiday let”.

It added: “Made by Margo is a well-regarded local business founded by Margo Evans, a passionate lifelong crafter who began knitting at a young age. Her company specialises in creating handcrafted, contemporary crochet products using high-quality natural materials.

“Accordingly, Margo is a highly sought-after teacher known for her popular crochet classes. This proposal is motivated by a recognised need for a permanent space for the business, as to date the applicant has needed to use community halls or similar spaces to accommodate clients.

“Thus, the proposed change of use will secure a permanent space for these workshops and will future proof the business against the lack of availability of public spaces.

“Other alternatives have been considered with the cottage being the most viable option, particularly as demand has waned for holiday cottage post Covid-19.

“Consequently, the cottage’s change of use will diversify the farm’s revenue, while simultaneously providing a permanent base for a small rural business. While the primary customer base is local, the space may also help attract seasonal tourism and broaden the business’s appeal.”

It says the operation would be on a small scale, with a maximum of six people per class and a three day per-week schedule.

An officer report, recommending approval, said: “The provision of a workshop would have both social and environmental benefits for the applicant and local community through the provision of business and income generated from the operation.

“With regard to environmental impacts, positive environmental impacts would be achieved through the re-use of the building. Whilst the proposed location is in the open countryside, which is not a sustainable location, the proposed operation of the business is low scale. It is considered that the number of trips would be of low frequency when compared to the potential number of trips that are generated from tourism.”

The application was conditionally approved.