Refusal for fallen stock collection facility near historic chapel in Gwynedd village

Plans for a facility to store dead farm animals in a Gwynedd village have been refused by national park members.

Having been initially turned down last year, members of the Snowdonia National Park’s planning committee once again refused amended plans which had been earmarked for Pentre Gwynfryn, Llanbedr near Harlech.

The application, submitted by Anglesey-based Cymru Lȃn Cyf, had outlined a 13.5 x 9 metre building that would mainly be used to store dead animals from nearby farms, as well as demolishing existing outbuildings at a site known as kennels.

But the park authority has confirmed – with Wednesday’s meeting not yet available for the press and public  to view – that members followed the recommendation of officers in turning down the plans.

Local concerns included the impact on nearby Capel Salem, a Grade -II listed building and the setting of Vosper’s famous 1908 painting depicting Siân Owen and other chapel-goers.

The applicants had argued there was a need for such a facility in the area, which would be used only for refrigerated collection and transfer.

The submission said: “Since the suspension of the fallen stock operation at the site at the end of 2018, the wider area has been without a local facility for the disposal of fallen stock. Obviously, as an agricultural area, such a facility is a necessity.

“The applicant has conducted collections in the area during this period since 2018, returning to the businesses’ Gaerwen site.

“The alternative is for animal owners to transport their own animals to the Gaerwen site or the nearest alternative in Llandrindod Wells some 80 miles away.

“Therefore, returning the proposal site to use will result in the provision of a much needed service and a reduction of road traffic in the wider National Park area.”

But a total of 171 letters of objection had been sent to the park, including that of  Llanbedr Community Council which claimed that the proposals were not in keeping with plans previously approved in 2004 for a small incinerator to prepare animals that had fallen as food for the hunting dogs that were kept on the site.

Instead, councillors claimed that the new plans were  “totally different in character, size and use” and possessing “an industrial character on a much larger scale than the current private use.”

Their official objection said: “The site is unsuitable for a number of reasons including its location in the countryside. It is also in an area where the tourism industry is an important element of the local economy.

“Due to the nature of the intention which means a significant investment, it is clear that the collection and storage of the fallen stock service will be on a far larger scale, especially as the other centres the company has are located far away.

“There will therefore be a significant increase in the transport along a narrow and winding road.”

In their recommendation, national park officers said: “Due to the ‘commercial’ nature of this proposal and how it will operate in terms of vehicular movements and hours of operation, it will neither preserve nor enhance the setting of Capel Salem or the attached Caretakers cottage.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter