A call to allow a Pembrokeshire chalet built without permission, but previously allowed to be kept in use as a home, to be replaced by a house has been submitted to planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council planners, Mr Benniman of Sweet Nothings, near Redberth, south Pembrokeshire, seeks permission to replace a residential chalet, given a certificate of lawfulness back in 2016, with a single-storey house, along with the removal of a static caravan and the installation of a replacement package treatment plant.

A supporting statement through agent Llyr Evans Planning Ltd says the existing chalet did not have planning permission but did gain a 2016 certificate of lawfulness, having been used as a dwelling since 1998.

An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to stay at a development if they can provide proof of occupancy over a prolonged period, normally in excess of four years.

The statement adds: “Given the length of time that the structure and use has existed on site, there is no doubt that the residential use is established and lawful and the same can be said for the surrounding land which is clearly in residential use and includes a number of ancillary structures which have clearly been on site in excess of 10 years. Aerial photography of the site show the site much in its current form in 2009 and 2014. The site would also constitute previously developed land which would itself also be a material planning consideration of significant weight.”

It finishes: “The proposal would see the removal of a static caravan, chalet dwelling and a number of ancillary structures and their replacement with a modest but attractive and resource efficient dwelling.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.