Previously refused plans to allow a Pembrokeshire student permission to develop a sand school for ‘breaking’ horses at his family farm have been approved by the National Park.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planners, Mr GW Richards sought permission for the sand school for use in ‘breaking’ and training horses at Llanwnwr Farm, Trefasser, Goodwick.

A previous application for a similar scheme was refused on the grounds it was on Grade 3a land, the best and most versatile agricultural land; the proposed school now planned to be sited on lower quality Grade 5 agricultural land after discussions with park officers.

A supporting statement through agent MacRae Associates said: “The proposal is to develop a sand school for use in ‘breaking’ and training horses, which will allow the applicant’s son to stay within the area and develop a small business.

“The applicant’s son is currently in his final year studying Equine Science and Business at the Royal Agricultural University. Without the opportunity to develop a small business at his family farm on graduation he will in all likelihood be forced to leave the area.

“In addition to breaking and training horses the use of the site will provide a space that allows the owner to exercise a stallion safely during wintertime instead of exercising it on the public highways. Traffic to the [nearby] lighthouse is significant particularly in the holiday season. This represents a significant risk reduction to both the applicant and the motoring public.

“Exercising the stallion on wet ground in winter carries the risk of causing injury to both rider and horse by slipping on muddy ground. One of the applicant’s ponies suffers from a disease known as Laminitis caused by too much fresh grass, a sand school would allow this pony to be let out onto a surface which will not exacerbate the condition; the alternative is to keep the pony stabled during times when there is a likelihood of the condition flaring up. It will thus an animal welfare problem.”

The scheduled ancient monument of Llanwnwr Cross-Slab; a stone with a cross carved into the surface, is located some 90m south-west of the site.

An officer report recommending approval said the change to Grade 5 land, alleviated many of the previous concerns, adding: “The application is deemed acceptable subject to detailed development management concerns from the authority and relevant consultees.

“Relevant conditions have been imposed to respect the significance of the archaeological remains in and around the site, and to ensure adequate drainage and green infrastructure implementation. Subject to these conditions the proposal is considered acceptable and to comply with the requirements of relevant local and national planning policies.”

The application was conditionally approved.