A call to allow a sheep shed once owned by Aberystwyth University to remain as a wedding venue, the applicants even having their own wedding there, has been granted by Ceredigion planners.

Dyfrig and Emily Williams, through agent JMS Planning and Development, sought retrospective planning permission for the change of use of the shed at beef and sheep farm Tanygraig Farm House Tanygraig, Llanfarian, some three miles from Aberystwyth.

The building, part of an agricultural holding once owned and operated by Aberystwyth University as a ‘learning farm,’ was partly converted to host weddings in September 2022.

A supporting statement accompanying the application, by JMS Planning, said: “The proposal seeks to formalise the change of use of an existing agricultural outbuilding to a wedding venue and associated works,” adding: “Prior to the applicant’s ownership, the agricultural holding was owned and operated by Aberystwyth University and utilised as a ‘learning farm’, whereby students would attend site and undertake studies.”

After an initial successful one-off use of the shed as their own wedding venue, the applicants pondered with the idea to keep the shed as a wedding venue.

The statement said no major work has been undertaken at the site, retaining the original character of the building, which is expected to host 15 weddings a year.

“The venue has already hosted a few weddings and has developed an excellent reputation, which is supported by the local community and local businesses many of which have benefited from the venue,” the statement said.

“Jobs, wealth and income has been created as a result of the venue, from initial construction works e.g plumbing and electrical works, to those associated with the wedding industry, which will continue moving forward. The proposal would therefore be considered a source of many jobs, including retaining jobs in existing businesses.

“Although the main occupation of the applicants will remain, they will be heavily involved with the preparation, management and promotion of the business.”

Local community council Llanfarian has raised concerns about the retrospective nature of the application, and about access to the main road for wedding traffic.

The scheme has now been granted conditional approval by Ceredigion planning officers, with conditions including restrictions on amplified music.