The project is part of a charity which has a long-standing history of supporting veterans and addressing homelessnessRobert Harries Senior Reporter, Bruce Sinclair and Local Democracy Reporter
12:54, 14 Oct 2025
Penlan Farm in Rhydlewis, near Llandysul (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Plans to transform a Ceredigion holiday cottage into accommodation for homeless veterans have been approved by council planners. Richard Rose, of Woody’s Lodge, applied to change the use of Penlan Farm in Rhydlewis, near Llandysul, to communal and hostel accommodation at Ceredigion County Council’s development management committee meeting in October.
An officer report stated: “The application is accompanied by a supporting statement which states, in summary, that the proposal would provide four living units for homeless veterans. The project will provide safe and stable housing, and also serve as a training facility to enhance employability prospects for resident veterans.
“The on-site facilities will support various training programmes, fostering independence and rebuilding lives.
“The project is part of a charity which has a long-standing history of supporting veterans and addressing homelessness.
“Hostel accommodation falls under planning use class ‘Unique Use’/ ‘Sui Generis’.
“There is no statutory definition of ‘hostel’ in planning law, however, they are generally understood to provide temporary or transitional accommodation, often with shared facilities and sometimes with support services.
“The duration of stay can vary significantly, while many offer overnight or short-term stays, others accommodate residents for months or even years, especially in the context of homelessness.
“The proposed development would use the same access with sufficient parking provided within the site.” Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
The report added: “The proposal includes a modest single-storey lean-to extension to the rear of the existing building.
“The scale and form of the extension is considered appropriate and subordinate to the main building, with no adverse impact on its character or appearance. The site is located in a remote countryside setting and is not visually prominent within the wider landscape.”
The report concluded: “The proposed change of use from holiday accommodation to hostel accommodation for homeless veterans is considered acceptable in principle, aligning with both national and local planning policy objectives.
“The modest physical alterations, remote location, and managed nature of the use ensures there would be no adverse impact on the character and amenity of the area.”
Committee members gave their unanimous backing to the application.