Plans for a Pembrokeshire town community garden on derelict land have been given the go-ahead.

A Pembrokeshire County Council application to transform land at Richard John Road, Milford Haven sought to transform it into a garden for community growing; planning permission being sought for installing structures and the change of use.

It includes the erection of a polytunnel, cabin, potting shed, gazebo and tool shed.

The derelict land, affected by fly tipping, has been leased by the local community and the removal of debris and fly tipping has already begun.

A supporting statement said: “The Richard John Road Community Garden is dedicated to enhancing the environment through sustainable practices and integration of green infrastructure. The garden’s aim is to create a productive green space that fosters well-being, promotes biodiversity and contributes to urban resilience.”

It details specific examples of biodiversity and the portion of a green infrastructure, saying rainwater is to be stored for irrigation, reducing dependence on mains water supply and mitigating storm water run-off, with non-permeable grounds acting as a natural soakaway, along with the conservation of nature in the garden “at the heart of the general operation of the garden”.

“The garden is to eventually include a variety of flowers and plants that attract and support pollinators, essential for the health of the ecosystem. The existing hedges are to be maintained as an important biodiversity component of the garden space.”

An officer report says: “The proposal would result in the provision of a new community garden within the settlement of the hub town of Milford Haven. The application details that the gardens would be used by a community garden group, with a commitment and responsibility to manage and maintain the gardens for five years. This lease would be rolled on or leased to another entity if required.

“The gardens have been carefully designed for meet the needs of the group that intend to use it. The proposal would have positive economic and social benefits through the income generation and the provision of a facility to serve the community.”

It finishes: “Due to the scale of the proposed development, it is considered that it would be appropriately located to meet the needs of the community it is to serve, with minimal future management and maintenance required.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.