Latest news with #SpecialLandscapeArea
Wales Online
07-08-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Plans to turn farmland into private dog exercise facility submitted
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A couple from Llangernyw are seeking planning permission to turn part of their farmland into a private dog exercise facility. Dewi and Iola Roberts have submitted an application to Conwy 's planning department for a change of use at their small agricultural field northeast of their property, Plas yn Trofarth. The proposal, which is set to be discussed by councillors next week, would see the grazing land converted into a secure dog exercise field, complete with a small shelter, dedicated parking area, and landscaping works. If approved, the facility would operate daily between 6am and 10pm, closing at 8pm on Sundays and bank holidays, and would be accessible by pre-booked sessions. Each 50-minute slot would allow use by up to two dog owners at a time, with access managed by a weekly code-lock system. The plans include parking space for up to three vehicles, new boundary fencing around the site, and a 2.4m timber shelter for users. Sign up for the North Wales Live newslettersent twice daily to your inbox. According to planning officers, the site is 'well screened' by existing trees and shrubbery, with the nearest dwelling over 100m away and most others located more than a kilometre from the field. While situated within the Elwy and Aled Valley Special Landscape Area, the site is considered too small for viable agriculture. Officers also noted the presence of a nearby watercourse and potential flood risk. Due to the applicants' relationship with a serving councillor, the proposal has been brought before the planning committee for transparency. Planning officers are recommending that members be "minded to grant" conditional approval. A planning statement reads: 'The proposed development will not negatively impact the character of the local area, with particular consideration given to the fact that the site is within a Special Landscape Area. 'The only structure being erected on site would be a moveable shelter, which will be wooden cladded and designed to integrate well into the character of the local area. Additionally, views of the site will be screened considerably by the existing woodlands and vegetation surrounding the site, mitigating the ability to see the site from nearby and from distant views.' The plans will be debated at Conwy's Coed Pella HQ at the council's next planning committee meeting on Wednesday 13 August. Public notices in your area
Powys County Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Gwynedd Council rejects camping pods bid despite support
A plan to site five glamping pods as part of a Welsh farming family's diversification plan has been turned down despite strong support from some members. Cyngor Gwynedd's planning committee rejected an application to change the use of land and develop a small scale holiday development on an area known as Pandy fields in Corris. The proposal for the permanent pods and associated parking was rejected, in line with the council's planning officer's recommendations. The application had been made by Maisie Sandells, through the agent Dafydd Tomos, of George and Tomos Penserei (Architects). The application had been deferred from the council's Monday, April 28 planning committee meeting for a site visit. The proposal had been part of a diversification project for a 120-hectare livestock business by H.B Sandells and Sons Farm. Council planners said the application was 'not acceptable' as it created a new, permanent alternative camping accommodation within a Special Landscape Area. They said it was also 'likely to have a substantial detrimental impact on the amenities of local property owners in terms of more activities, disturbance and noise'. Public objections had included the impact on the SLA (special landscape area), light and noise pollution, 'attracting the wrong people' to Corris, an excess of tourism and impacts on biodiversity and local property. A resident who lives at a former medieval fulling mill, beside the Dulas river, where she said otters and owls were often seen, told the meeting the area was a place of 'peace and tranquillity'. They had purchased their home in 2016, on a site of special landscape (SLA) 'in the knowledge that it was protected from developments such as this'. She was also concerned it would mean more strangers walking around the home boundary, day and night. Local member Cllr John Pughe Roberts argued people already walked on a public footpath there anyway, and the development would not be seen due to woodland and planting between the house and pods. He also questioned the nature of the SLA, adding that local farmers were 'worried about the lack of development opportunities for the future'. He called for councillors to support the applicants, who were a third-generation, Welsh speaking farming family. Cllr Louise Hughes backed the scheme, saying: 'Farmers are up against it." She noted it was 'a small and discreet' development of only five pods. Her proposal was seconded by Gruff Williams, who said it was now 'necessary for farmers to redirect their efforts and to diversify', while Cllr Gareth Jones called it 'a perfect example of sustainable tourism'. Cllr Berwyn Parry Jones said he could not support the scheme, due to it being in a SLA, an area of outstanding beauty. Planning manager Gareth Jones told the committee they had rejected similar applications, and if the decision was to be approved, it would have to be referred to a 'deliberation period' and brought back again to the committee. A vote to allow the application failed with five votes in favour, no abstentions, and eight against. A second vote, to refuse the application passed with seven votes in favour, no abstentions and six against. This meant the application was rejected. Speaking after the meeting, Cllr John Pughe Roberts said he was 'very disappointed' on behalf of the applicants. They had been hoped that the enterprise could help sustain future generations of the local farming family, he said. 'I am extremely disappointed, and it was Plaid Cymru people that voted this down,' he said. 'More and more young people are leaving Gwynedd in their droves, more than anywhere else due to the need to be able to make a living. Soon there will be no young Welsh speakers left,' he said. 'These are a third generation Welsh speaking farming family, they should have been given a chance to do this."
