The future of a beloved Pembrokeshire attraction that has made a significant impact on thousands of lives has been secured after facing initial rejection by planning officers. The Willhome Farm Barn farm park, situated near Camrose, has now been granted approval to continue its operations following a heartwarming petition of support from 3,500 people. Stuart Williams, the owner of Home Farm, Leweston, near Camrose, had faced a setback in late 2023 when planning officers refused retrospective permission to maintain the Willhome Farm Barn farm park and its associated structures constructed in June 2022.
The farm park, which has become a vital hub for the local community, offers a range of facilities including accommodation for various animals such as rabbits, llamas, donkeys, poultry, owls, goats, ponies, and pigs. Additionally, it boasts a café, public toilets, a children’s play area, and visitor parking. The farm park has been especially cherished by the council’s educational providers and parents of children with learning difficulties, serving as an educational and therapeutic environment. Following the loss of the farm’s cattle herd to bovine tuberculosis, the attraction was established as a diversification strategy and has since grown to welcome over 150 children and students per week.
One of the primary reasons for the initial refusal of planning permission was concerns regarding highway safety. In response to this setback, a petition titled ‘Grant Planning Permission for Willhome Farm Barn in Pembrokeshire’ was launched on change.org by Jessica Austin from Hook, garnering overwhelming support. The petition highlighted the far-reaching positive impact of the farm park, not just on the family behind it but also on local schools, wellbeing centres, and families with children facing various challenges.
In 2024, a new application was submitted, and after intervention by local county councillor and former council leader Cllr Jamie Adams, the decision-making process was handed over to councillors themselves. The planning committee gave consent for a site visit in December to address concerns such as highway access, which paved the way for the revised plans to incorporate improvements like potential passing bays. The revised application, presented to the planning committee on February 18, received overwhelming support after addressing transportation issues and enhancing highway access in the local area.
During the committee meeting, it was emphasised that the farm park provided crucial facilities in Pembrokeshire, positively impacting the lives of over 6,000 students annually. Cllr Adams passionately advocated for the application, underscoring the valuable alternative the farm park offers in terms of education and recreation. The unanimous approval from committee members signified a collective recognition of the significant contribution the Willhome Farm Barn farm park makes to the community.
The successful securing of the farm park’s future is not just a victory for the owners but also a triumph for the thousands of individuals whose lives have been touched by its offerings. The approval marks a testament to the power of community support and the value of initiatives that go beyond commercial interests to enrich the lives of residents. The farm park stands as a shining example of resilience, determination, and the lasting impact of initiatives that cater to a diverse range of community needs.