A business at a “long-established rural enterprise hub” has applied for retrospective use of a base to provide services to the “wider rural community”.
A retrospective application has been filed to the Vale of Glamorgan Council for an arborist business at the Pant Wilkin Equestrian Centre in Cowbridge.
The application is for Arborwood Tree Care Ltd to use a base at the centre for the storage and maintenance of vehicles and equipment as well as the storage of felled timber for their arborist business.
An arborist business specialises in the cultivation, management, and care of individual trees, shrubs, and woody plants.
Some examples of the work performed in the application are: tree safety inspections and remedial works; woodland and shelterbelt management; hedgerow cutting, restoration, and laying; storm damage clearance and risk mitigation; vegetation control and boundary management and support works associated with estate infrastructure and access routes.
The application reads: “The business is intrinsically linked to the estate management of Pant Wilkin and operates within forestry, land management, and provides support services to rural-based activities.
“As such there can be no argument that the business is a rural enterprise for which a rural location is a necessary requirement. “
The Pant Wilkin Estate is a “long-established rural enterprise hub” that supports equestrian and countryside activities.
According to the application Arborwood forms an integral part of the estate’s land management framework.
Arborwood provides services beyond the Pant Wilkin Estate to the “wider rural community”.
This community includes, but is not limited to, woodland owners, country property owners, farms and agricultural holdings, and other land managers and rural businesses.
The units proposed for use by the business are no longer in use for providing space for “horseracing yard activities”.
The proposal does not involve the loss of any grassed areas, trees, or hedges or any “recognised biodiversity features”.
Arborwood has also offered to install bird and bat boxes across the business’ building.
The application reads: “The proposed retrospective change of use of the units for continued use by an arborist business with strong ties to Pant Wilkin and the local rural area will enable the retention of a successful rural business within the region.”
It continues: “It creates highly-skilled rural employment opportunities and enhances rural diversification.”

Post Office Seeks New Operator in Dinas Powys as Village Faces Loss of Its Last Branch
Gardening team praised after helping police clear fallen tree near St Brides Major
Specsavers calls on children in Barry to design Wales Deaf Rugby World Cup shirts
Whitmore High Named One of UK’s Best Workplaces for Development
Steel Signing Marks Major Milestone in St Richard Gwyn School Redevelopment
Two Rescues in Record Heat as Volunteer Teams Respond to Afternoon Emergencies
Police find evidence of a large-scale cannabis cultivation at Riverside Place property fire
Network Rail confirm closure of Brookside level crossing in Dinas Powys
Police given powers to ask people to leave Comeston Lakes Country Park
Planned children’s role play centre could be given the go-ahead by Vale Council
Marie Curie Garden Fayre deemed huge success
Council seeks views on Future of Colcot Sports Centre and Buttrills Playing Fields
First Minister quizzed on further devolution, budget decisions, and misinformation in FMQs
Extreme heat leads to changes to services and closures
Severe Heat Warning Set to Disrupt Rail Travel Across South Wales This Week
Communities asked to support older people across Wales during severe heat warning
Caribbean Community Wales Brings Wales‑Wide Launch to Barry This Weekend
Community Award winner calls for sanitary bins in men’s toilets after living with prostate‑cancer‑related incontinence
Cardiff Airport Backs Holiday Safety Campaign Honouring Rhoose Teenager Tom Channon