A call to allow a previously-approved welfare caravan at a Pembrokeshire smallholding to be used as an affordable housing unit has been turned down by county planners.

Carolynne Green, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, had sought permission for the affordable housing unit at Greenfields, New Road, Freystrop, near Haverfordwest.

A supporting statement said a caravan ‘welfare’ unit at Greenfields, home to nine horses, 70 hens and 20 ducks, was granted permission back in 2017.

It added: “The applicant finished working in a supermarket in 2024 and since then is doing dog grooming full time, via a mobile unit at Greenfields and at people’s homes. Since the end of the applicant’s marriage in 2005 the applicant lived in rented accommodation, which included homes in the Hook area and at Fishguard.

“Such an arrangement is not satisfactory from an animal welfare or site security perspective with the added element that the majority of the horses present are not her own. There have also been many occasions during the year where chickens have been attacked and on two occasions the whole flock have been taken both during the day and night.

“Having the ability to live in the existing caravan would greatly improve the applicant’s wellbeing, particularly as she will feel better able to provide the care and attention required for her responsibilities associated with having horses and poultry on her land.”

An officer report, recommending refusal, said: “This application is not supported by a formal affordable housing statement, however, it includes a letter outlining the personal circumstances of the applicant, who intends to occupy the caravan.

“In summary, this letter explains that the applicant does not have sufficient funds to purchase a market dwelling, and has a desire to live in a rural location enabling her to keep a small amount of livestock.

“The application is not supported by any evidence to demonstrate that the applicant is on the Common Housing Register. Neither does the information provided with the application demonstrate that the applicant would meet the criteria for housing need as set out within the council’s allocation policy.

“Based on the evidence available, there is no identified need for this type of accommodation in this location. Further to this, information contained within the application is not robust in terms of confirming that the applicant would meet the criteria for housing need, therefore qualifying for occupation of local needs affordable housing.

“Lastly, there is insufficient evidence to support any occupation of the caravan in conjunction with any rural enterprise.”