The Davies family’s farm in Bedwas has received approval for their revised plans to introduce four self-catering accommodation pods on their land.
The holiday pods, which are part of a diversification effort at Ty Isaf Farm, will complement the family’s ongoing farming operations.
This development follows a previous application in 2024, which was rejected by Caerphilly County Borough Council due to concerns about the potential loss of open countryside.
The revised plans, however, have now been given the green light.
In its submission to the council, Reading Agricultural Consultants highlighted the success of the farm’s current tourism business, which operates a single self-catering pod.
According to an article published by Caerphilly Observer on January 27, the planning agent explained that the ethos of the farm’s tourism business is focused on providing “a simple and yet sustainable retreat for guests.”
Planning officers noted that the new application addressed concerns raised by the council, ensuring compliance with local policies.
A key change in the plans includes a commitment to replace any trees lost during construction at a rate of three to one.
Additionally, the developers promised “biodiversity enhancements,” such as providing shelters and boxes for wildlife like toads, hedgehogs, birds, and bats. These measures were seen as vital to balancing the environmental impact of the development with the need to enhance local tourism.
The revised application has been carefully assessed by the council’s landscape architect, who recognized that the impact on existing trees had been minimized.
“Efforts have been made to accommodate the proposed pods where the impact on existing trees is reduced,” the architect stated.
The application also outlines provisions for compensating for any trees lost during the development process, further aligning with the council’s environmental policies.
Senior officers from the council have also expressed support for the project in its new form. A senior arboricultural officer remarked that the development “has much to commend in its revised form.”
The council’s approval of the new plans includes several conditions to ensure the development proceeds responsibly.
These conditions include requirements for landscaping, the submission of a biodiversity management plan, and protective fencing around trees during the construction period.
These measures will help ensure the protection of the surrounding environment while accommodating the growth of the holiday pod business.