A secure machinery workshop scheme granted at a Pembrokeshire farm close to a conservation area of ancient woodland will not be used to increase the near-1,000-strong milking herd.

In an application recommended for approval the September meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee, Mr and Mrs Watkins sought permission for the 18.3 metre workshop at 198-acre 960 milking herd Trewern Farm, Felindre Farchog, north Pembrokeshire.

An officer report at the meeting said park officers met with the applicants to discuss concerns regarding the scale and siting of the proposed development, raising fears that the siting and design would have a negative impact on the surrounding area.

Following these discussions, the applicant amended the initial proposal; the building repositioned so that it will sit lower in the landscape, positioned below the height of existing farm buildings and also lower than the farmhouse.

The report said the surrounding landscape and holding lies within the Mynydd Preseli Landscape Character Area, “particularly valued for its strong sense of remoteness, distinctive historic landscape features, intervisibility with the Preseli uplands, and dark night skies, contributing significantly to the special qualities of the National Park”.

It added: “Of particular relevance to this application is the presence of a designated Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) area located approximately 90 metres to the southeast of the application site, known locally as part of Cwm Gloyw.

“This ancient woodland occupies a steep-sided valley associated with a tributary of the Afon Nyfer and is a highly sensitive ecological and landscape feature. While the proposed agricultural building is not located within or immediately adjacent to this woodland, its presence forms part of the broader ecological and visual context of the area.

“As such, care must be taken to avoid indirect impacts such as increased lighting, run-off, or encroachment.

“Additionally, the site lies in close proximity to the designated boundary of the North Pembrokeshire Woodlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This SAC comprises a series of fragmented yet ecologically linked ancient woodland sites across the region, including Coed Cwm Gwaun, Ty Canol, and nearby woodland fragments associated with the Nyfer catchment.”

It concluded: “The proposed agricultural building is directly linked to the ongoing operations of Trewern Farm and aims to enhance the farm’s efficiency through secure storage of machinery and having a machinery workshop on site.

“No increase in livestock numbers is proposed as part of this application, and the building will not be used for the housing of animals or for any form of processing or external commercial activity.”

Approval was moved by Dr Rosetta Plummer, seconded by Cllr Mike James, who raised the issue of rural crime, saying: “There is concern in the north of the county and out in rural areas with regard to the theft of 4x4s and other such equipment; I am happy that will now help the applicants’ confidence and I hope that things will now be more secure for the applicants as a result of this.”

Chair Cllr Simon Hancock mused that such concerns were “the reality, sadly, of the extent of rural crime”.

Members backed the recommendation of conditional approval.