Planners go against officer in farrier centre application

1:15pm Wednesday 7th November 2007

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Pembrokeshire County Council's planning committee went against the recommendation of its planning officer and the JUDP yesterday (Tuesday), when it voted to approve an outline planning application for a farrier centre and associated accommodation.

The planning officer had advised the committee to turn down the application, as it is a development in the open countryside near Claberston, which runs contrary to section 48 of the development plan.

The officer said that the applicant had not submitted any information to prove that it was essential that a farrier business be located in this particular site and that there was no evidence to suggest why the farrier had to live on site.

Local member Cllr Don Evans made an impassioned appeal on the applicant's behalf, saying that there had been 32 letter submitted in support of the application and not one against.

He said that the farrier business was "essential for the local equine community" and should be an exception to the rule against development in the open countryside.

Two thirds of the planning committee agreed with him with 14 members voting to approve the application and seven voting against.

The application will now go before the full council and the national assembly as it goes against advise offered by the planning officer.