A self-catered holiday cottage in Pembrokeshire will be repurposed into a crochet workshop following a recent decision by the Pembrokeshire County Council. Mr. and Mrs. Evans, owners of Lochmeyler Farm in Llandeloy, submitted an application to change the use of the cottage, which has operated as a holiday let since its conversion from an outbuilding in 1992.
The supporting statement outlined the need for the change, asserting that the application “seeks to continue to evolve with current market demands.” The cottage, which has served as a successful holiday rental, will now provide a permanent space for the local business Made by Margo, founded by Margo Evans. A lifelong crafter, Margo is renowned for her handcrafted crochet products made from high-quality natural materials.
The proposal highlights the growing demand for Margo’s crochet classes, which have been held in temporary venues such as community halls. The need for a dedicated workshop space is crucial, as it will allow the business to secure a permanent location and adapt to the decreasing availability of public spaces, particularly in a post-Covid-19 landscape. The transition aims to diversify the farm’s revenue streams while establishing a stable environment for this small rural enterprise.
The planned operation will be modest in scale, accommodating a maximum of six participants per class, scheduled three days per week. An officer’s report recommending approval noted that the workshop would yield both social and environmental benefits for the local community. The report stated, “The provision of a workshop would have both social and environmental benefits for the applicant and local community through the provision of business and income generated from the operation.”
From an environmental perspective, the reuse of the building is expected to have positive impacts. While the cottage is located in an open countryside area deemed unsustainable for high-density activities, the low scale of the proposed business operation would result in fewer traffic visits compared to typical tourism-related activities.
With the conditional approval of the application, the Evans family can proceed with their plans to transform the cottage. This initiative not only reflects a responsive approach to changing market dynamics but also supports local entrepreneurship in Pembrokeshire, positioning the area as a potential destination for seasonal tourism and crafting enthusiasts.
