Overseas workers allowed to live in caravans at Haverfordwest business
A call to allow eight workers' caravans sited without planning permission at Wales' largest wholesale suppliers of potatoes and seasonal vegetables producers to remain has been approved by Pembrokeshire planners.
In a Certificate of lawful development application before Pembrokeshire County Council, Puffin Produce Ltd sought to retain the eight static staff accommodation caravans at its headquarters on Withybush Road, Haverfordwest; the caravans having been in place for at least a decade.
An application for a certificate of lawful development allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period.
A supporting statement through agent Evans Banks Planning Limited said Puffin Produce Ltd 'has been in business since the 1970s and is now the largest supplier of Welsh produce in Wales, supplying a wide variety of potatoes and seasonal vegetables to multiple major retailers and wholesalers'.
It added: 'During this time, the business has often relied upon the use of employment agencies and overseas workers, with many of these being accommodated in the static caravans at the headquarters site. Therefore, the use of the on-site residential accommodation in the form of the eight static caravans has been critical in the success of the business, both over the last 10 years and moving forward into the future.'
Evidence provided by the applicants, including sworn affidavits by those responsible for maintenance, electrical testing, human resources, and a former occupant, stated the caravans had been on-site for more than 10 years; the applicant seeking 'to regularise the situation'.
It added: 'Post-Brexit the company has moved towards 'Proforce' agency and 'RE Recruitment', with all agency staff recruited on fixed term contracts with their right to work varying between seasonal workers or settle/pre-settled status, with on-site accommodation then provided.'
It finished by saying four of the caravans had been on-site back in 2013, with the remainder added to over time up to January 2015, confirming 'that there have been eight static caravans present on site for an uninterrupted period of over 10 years'.
The certificate of lawful development was approved by county planning officers.
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