THERE was support for the development of holiday accommodation near Tregaron at development control this week.

Ceredigion county councillors approved plans for five log cabins on a small holding at Ffair Rhos, Pontrhydfendigaid, at their meeting on Wednesday, February 10.

The plans had been recommended for refusal by planning officers but councillors felt the application was not so far removed from planning policy that it should be turned down.

Local member Cllr Ifan Davies said he would not have brought the application to committee “if I thought they were far from the policy,” adding he appreciated that officers could not be as “flexible” with policy as councillors could be.

“It’s an excellent spot for this type of development,” added Cllr Davies, highlighting the many countryside walks, places of interest and attractions in the vicinity.

The site covers two fields used for grazing behind Ty Bach, on the county road leading from Ffair Rhos to the Teifi Pools, with a plan to remove a stable block and build five log cabins for holiday lets.

They will be single storey with slate roofs, one bedroom separate wc/shower and a combined kitchen and living room, with a decked area to the front.

A planning report states that the site is in the open countryside, was quite prominent and lacked any natural screening. It was also not considered to qualify for farm diversification.

At committee, councillors highlighted the need for a review of the local development plan to allow consideration of smaller tourism developments, and highlighted that the matter had been delayed due to Covid-19.

It could also mean fewer houses being turned in to holiday homes and boost the local, rural economy, it was added.