A SHEPHERD hut in a peaceful rural location will be allowed to remain after gaining planning permission from Ceredigion County Council.

A retrospective allocation to retain the use of a shepherd hut for holiday accommodation at Penlan Ganol, Cwrtnewydd was approved by the council’s development control committee on Wednesday (August 12).

The committee heard that the applicant had a desire to develop a microbrewery at the site in the future, if the tourism element of this application was supported, which would serve as a community hub, subject to planning.

Local member Cllr Euros Davies spoke in support of the application, which had been recommended for refusal by officers,  at the virtual meeting on Wednesday.

“It’s an exciting enterprise for me as local member, seeing people are willing to venture and make a significant investment. We need a variety of businesses here in rural Ceredigion and tourism is a big element of the economy here.

“The peace of the area is an attraction for people, away from the hurly burly of the seaside,” he added.

Reference was made to the Local Development Plan policy being developed before the popularity of shepherd hut types accommodation increased, an “area of tourism that has developed quickly,” said Cllr Gareth Lloyd.

“This location offers peace,” he added.

The shepherd hut, which sleeps two, has a hot tub next to it, along with a parking space, and has been operating as a holiday let since last year, the committee heard.

An occupancy rate of 75 per cent was referred to as evidence for the popularity of quiet, rural sites for visitors.