A call to change a Pembrokeshire estuarial beauty spot village care home to a residential property has been approved by the National Park.

In an application to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Leicestershire-based Mr c Cunningham sought permission for a change of use of Herons Reef Residential Home, Llangwm Ferry, Guildford Row, Llangwm, near Haverfordwest.

Previous applications have been made at the site for a change of use, with a 2019 scheme refused, and a 2018 scheme withdrawn.

Other applications for a single storey cabin-style building with decking area and an extension were also refused in 2011 and 2009 respectively.

An officer report, recommending approval of the current application, said: “No external changes are proposed to the building; however, it should be noted that stone cladding has been applied to the front elevation of the property within the last four years.

“Permission would have been required for this since, at the time of writing, the property is still within use class C2 [residential home] for which no permitted development rights exist. This will be dealt with separately to the current submission.

“There are no over-riding concerns in relation to the proposed change of use in relation to visual or residential amenity, and there are no concerns in relation to the parking arrangements, access or local Highway Network.

“The proposed green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancements are deemed to be acceptable as it is proposed to plant six new trees within the rear garden area, and this is deemed to be proportionate to the proposed development, since no losses are to occur to facilitate development.

“Overall, the proposal is considered to be acceptable, and a recommendation to grant permission, subject to conditions, is made.”

The application, which includes a Section 106 legal agreement for the payment of a contribution towards affordable housing, was conditionally approved by park planners.