A scheme for an office/yoga studio shed has been approved by Pembrokeshire planners despite the local community council’s concerns it could be used as a holiday let.

In an application recommended for approval at the July 29 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Eirian and Lona Llewelyn Davies, through agent Pembroke Design Ltd, had sought permission for a garden shed, home office and yoga studio at 5 Mabws Fawr, Mathry.

A supporting statement from the agent said: “The existing cottage was purchased by Eirian and Lona some 20 years ago as a two-bed retirement home for the future. It’s a small cottage with a bedroom upstairs. There is a ground floor study that doubles up as a bedroom/gym/study, but its full and not ideal for all that multi-use.

“The client would like three bedrooms in the cottage and study/gym/yoga kit put elsewhere. Given the size of the cottage on a tight site and the character of the existing outbuildings, it is not possible to extend it. They have a very large garden to the north, which drops below the road level by approximately eight feet.”

It asks for permission for a wooden cabin incorporating the three elements at that low level site, previously occupied by sheds.

An officer report recommending approval said: “Mathry Community Council has expressed concern in relation to the proposal due to the scale of the building and its self-contained nature allowing potential for use as holiday let accommodation in the future.

“The representation from the community council states that community councillors noted that there was no consultation with neighbours and have suggested that a site visit be undertaken as the proposal is effectively development in the countryside.”

Responding to those concerns, it said amended plans had been submitted showing the removal of a proposed toilet and septic tank, which “would remove the potential for self-contained accommodation,” adding any potential use as a holiday let would require a planning application and assessment against the relevant policies of the LDP.

With regards to consultation, correspondence received from the agent states that the applicant discussed the proposal with neighbours, who had the opportunity to view the plans prior to submission of the application.

The recommendation of approval was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.