Agenda item

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

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 and design.   Since December 2025, there has been an attempt by the owner to convert the building into an animal shelter but by putting a few animals, as was viewed during the site visit, does not execute that the structure has been used as an animal shelter and that it is suitable for its purpose in a sensitive location in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The recommendation was of refusal of the application.

Councillor Arfon Wyn, as a Local Member, said that the previous shelter on the site had been demolished following a storm and the siting of the existing shelter was in a better location and would not be detrimental to the Aberhoccwn cottage nearby which is a Grade II Listed Building.  The use of the shelter is for the owners use during the lambing season and to care for her animals.

Councillor John Ifan Jones, and a Local Member, said that the application is for an animal shelter, and he noted that most farms and smallholdings have wooden animal shelters to care for their animals with permitted development.  He noted that both shelter on the site had received planning approval in 2010 and 2013.  The reason for refusing the application in the Officer’s report refers to ecological matters and the landscape and that there was no need for an impact assessment.  Natural Resources Wales have not submitted any comments as regards to the application and the Bodorgan Community Council has not submitted any comments and neither a letter of objection has received as regards to the proposal.  He referred that the Officer’s reports which says that there is no detrimental effect on the nearby cottage which is a Grade II listed building.  Councillor John Ifan Jones further referred to planning policies and noted that planning policy PCYFF 3 refers to the quality of designs of buildings and its surroundings and sustainable materials; this shelter is of wooden structure which is in keeping within the environment and is relatively small structure.  Policies PCYFF 4 and PS 5 have been used to recommend refusal of the application, but the applicant has used materials that conforms with its surroundings.  The development conforms with planning policies PCYFF 4 and PS 19. He considered that there is a need for such a shelter to enable the applicant to care for her animals and especially her rare breed of Ryland Sheep.  He also considered that the application conforms with planning policies TAN 6 and AMG 1. 

Councillor John Ifan Jones referred to the caravan on site which is a touring caravan that can be moved off the site.  He considered that there are conditions that can be imposed on any approval of the application to improve the screening of the site.  He considered that the facilities of a toilet and sink within the shelter is essential in the care of the animals on the land and seasonal farming should be supported. 

The Planning Development Manager responded to the comments made by the Local Members and said that there is no objection to a shelter on the site as the previous shelter was afforded planning approval in 2013.  He noted that the building has not been used for animal shelter until recently and the wooden material of the shelter is not a material consideration as this structure has been designed as a cabin for someone to live in and not suitable for animal shelter.  The reference to farms and smallholdings with animal shelters that are approved by permitted development have 5 hectares or more.  He further noted that during the site visit it was evident that the caravan on the site is linked into the shelter and to take the caravan from the site would result in the removal of the decking area.  A caravan on a field for lambing purposes on farms is permitted but will need to be moved thereafter.  The caravan on the site is therefore considered to be a permanent structure.   He noted that the current use of the shelter is the main concern. 

Councillor Jackie Lewis said that it is disappointing that the shelter did seem to be a small cottage in December last but during the site visit it had been transformed to a shelter for animals and the French doors been taken off the structure and boarded windows.  She expressed concerns that there was an intention for a septic tank on the site to allow someone to live permanently on the site.   

Councillor Jackie Lewis proposed that the application be refused in accordance with the Officers recommendation.   Councillor Kenneth P Hughes seconded the proposal of refusal of the application.

Councillor Euryn Morris ascertained if the application was approved could conditions be enforced for the amendment of the structure as an animal shelter.  The Planning Development Manager responded that the application presented to the Committee needs to be considered, however, if the applicant submitted a further application for an animal shelter it could be considered within its own merits. 

Councillor John Ifan Jones proposed that the application be approve contrary to the Officer’s recommendation.  Councillor Neville Evans said that there is a need for such an animal shelter in rural areas to care for animals.  Councillor Neville Evans seconded the proposal of approval of the application. 

Councillor Glyn Haynes abstained from voting.

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