A CALL to convert holiday lets near a Pembrokeshire village pub to a single home for their owner to downsize has been approved by county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Dr Susan Richards, through agent Carl Bentley Architectural Services, sought permission for a change of use and alteration works from two holiday let units to form one dwelling at Dovecote Cottage, Cosheston, near Pembroke Dock.
A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “This planning application seeks a change of use of the holiday let units known as Dovecote Cottage to form a new dwelling for the applicant to use as her main/only residence.
“The original farm/agricultural buildings at East Farm were converted from old farm outbuildings to self-catering holiday let units in the 1980s and 2010s partly by the previous owner and also partly by the current owner/applicant.”
It said Dr Richards, living at the village’s Little Mayeston Cottage, has been in the village since 2016, and has owned Dovecote Cottage, near the village’s listed Brewery Inn, since 2017, adding: “The applicant wishes to downsize from the current dwelling and relocate to a central village location to a smaller dwelling and be closer to friends within the village.”
Of the proposals it further said: “The holiday let units are semi-detached single storey traditional farm outbuildings of stone wall construction set under a pitched roof.
“One unit (known as Dovecote Cottage) provides two bedrooms of accommodation for four people, and the other unit (known as The Stable at Dovecote Cottage) provides one bedroom of accommodation for four people. Both units have open plan kitchens / dining and living areas plus separate shower rooms.”
An officer report recommending approval said: “Amendments to the proposal were sought from the agent following case review.
“On balance, the visual impact of the amended design on the character of the Conservation Area and listed building is considered neutral to positive and is therefore recommended for approval.”
The application was conditionally approved by county planners.
