Issue - meetings

7.1 – FPL/2025/275 – Aberhoccwn, Hermon

FPL/2025/275

7.1  FPL/2025/275 – Retrospective application for the retention of a field shelter at Aberhoccwn, Hermon

It was RESOLVED to refuse the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.

7.1  FPL/2025/275 – Retrospective application for the retention of a field shelter at Aberhoccwn, Hermon

The application was presented to the Planning and Orders Committee at the request of a Local Member.   At its meeting held on 4 February, 2026 the Committee recommended a site visit, and this subsequently took place on the 18 February, 2026.

Public Speaker

Ms Nia Hughes, the applicant in support of the application, said that she has been keeping animals for over 30 years and is a local person living in Newborough.  She noted that she has a flock of rare Ryeland sheep, two ponies, alpacas and dogs.  The intention of the shelter is to care for the animals.  There has been a shelter on the land since 2010, and the original shelter was built with planning permission in 2013 but following a storm the shelter was destroyed.  It was decided, for safety reasons, to demolish the shelter and to build another shelter further down from the original shelter as it was impairing the view of the small cottage of Aberhoccwn.  She said that she was unaware for the need to contact the Planning Department and that planning permission to re-build the shelter was required as previous permission was given.  She noted that she needs to stay in the shelter for 2 to 3 months a year to care for her animals during lambing.  She further said that she has had positive comments as regards to the shelter over a number of years by local residents aswell as visitors. 

The Planning Development Manager reported that the application is for the retention of the existing shelter on site, which includes a room for keeping animals, a covered decking area, shower, toilet and sink and to allow for the retention of the touring caravan which is attached to the shelter.  During the Site Visit to the site on the 18 February, 2026 there was a sheep and two lambs in the shelter with the floor area covered with straw, the French Doors had been removed and some of the other windows were covered. During a visit by Enforcement Officer in August 2025, there was no evidence that the shelter had been used for animals and the shelter was furnished with a sofa, other furniture as well as a log burner.  When the Case Officer visited the site in December 2025, there were 3 alpacas in the shelter.  It was clear that the caravan and the shower room had been used for a period of time and it did not appear as a temporary shelter.  The fact that it was connected to the septic tank is further evidence of continuous use.  The wooden floor is unsuitable for the purpose for animals, and it will rot as animal droppings fall between the gaps in the flooring.  The floor should have been made of concrete to place clean strow for the animals.   He further said that the current building is not suitable in terms of its size  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7