Plans for an extension to Pembrokeshire’s Parc Gwyn Crematorium, with a new memorial garden featuring a stone megalith, have been approved.

Pembrokeshire County Council, which owns the existing Parc Gwyn Crematorium, near Narberth, sought permission for a change of use of adjacent agricultural land to a memorial garden, along with associated ancillary development including access, parking, an entrance canopy, two shelters, a megalith stone structure, seating, footways, bird nest box poles and landscaping.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The proposal involves creating a garden designed with the objective of providing a nature-rich experience for those wishing to gather, reflect and remember. Seating areas, paths and contemplative zones are to be sensitively interspersed within a wildflower meadow and trees.

“The natural memorial garden would be an extension to the outdoor space currently available at the Parc Gwyn crematorium site, with provision for burial of ashes and memorials also provided.

“The provision of this space would see the transformation of an agricultural monoculture pasture to a setting in which nature is allowed to thrive. This would represent a diversification of opportunities for quiet reflection in a natural setting, better reflecting the different needs of those served by the Parc Gwyn site.

“By offering a range of options, the garden can cater for diverse user preferences and needs, enhancing the overall value and appeal.

“The structures within the garden (shelters, seating and memorials) are to be designed to fit with the setting of a natural garden. These are to be of natural materials (wood and stone) and rustic in style to blend into the landscape. The majority of the site is to remain as open space to preserve the natural character and provide ample room for memorial activities.”

An officer report, recommending approval, said: “The proposed development will provide a further memorial garden to the east of the crematorium, it will be benefit from a sympathetic naturalistic planting scheme that will retain existing mature hedgerow planting and provide native tree planting and other landscape features set within an open floriferous meadow.”

The scheme was conditionally approved by planning officers.