A call to remove an agricultural worker-only farmhouse condition for a Pembrokeshire farm of just 18 hectares, which “should never have been granted” in 1994 due to its unviable size, has been allowed.

In an application recommended for approval at the July 28 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Richard and Diane Evans, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought removal of a 1994 agricultural workers-only condition for what was then a new build at Redwood House, Summerhill Farm, Dreenhill, Haverfordwest.

It was for committee consideration as it was recommended for approval despite being against policy.

Earlier this year a certificate of lawfulness was granted for Mr and Mrs Evans for Redwood House at Summerhill Farm, Dreenhill, having breached an agricultural employment condition over a continuous period.

That condition was imposed in a 1994 application, approved in 1995, for a dwelling at Summerhill Farm, at the time for a small farm.

At the time the scheme was recommended to be refused based on concerns about the farm’s viability but was approved by planning committee.

An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to stay at a development if they can provide proof of occupancy without any enforcement challenge over a prolonged period.

A supporting statement accompanying that lawfulness application said Mr and Mrs Evans have occupied their then-newly completed property in August 1996 until the present day, but neither had been solely or mainly employed in agriculture at Summerhill Farm since 1998.

That application was approved, on the basis the breach over a period in excess of a decade was proved.

The latest application before the July 2026 committee sought the formal removal of the previous condition, a report for members said.

Speaking at the meeting agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries, of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, said the 1994 scheme “probably shouldn’t have been granted” for a holding of just 18 hectares, adding: “However, members decided to give a consent.”

He said the applicants had attempted to make the farm viable for a few years, “drifting” into other fields of work including construction.

He said the application before members was “just a tidying up” procedure, as it was “highly unlikely” the house would come back to an agricultural usage.

Moving approval, Cllr Alec Cormack supported the scheme, but expressed concerns such a move could lead to many more such schemes being submitted in the future.

Chair Cllr Mark Carter reflected the changing nature of agriculture in the county, with a size once considered sustainable needing to be many times larger now; Cllr Nick Neumann adding: “Agriculture has changed a lot over the last few decades; if this house can be used to provide accommodation for a family it should be supported.”

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Members unanimously supported the removal of the condition.