NATIONAL Park planners are to carry out a site visit before deciding on plans for an eco-smallholding in Newport.

Sue Gillooley’s application came before committee last Wednesday, with a recommendation for approval.

Permission was sought to build a house, greenhouse, barn and associated trackways and parking on land adjacent to Castle Hill, just below Carningli Mountain.

The application is made under the One Planet Development (OPD) which requires applicants to be self-sufficient in terms of food, income, energy and waste.

Ms Gillooley proposes to keep sheep, grow lavender, raise chickens and keep six hives for honey production.

Newport Town Council said it could not support the plans as there had been no community consultation and thirteen letters of objection were received.

Objector William Ward has lived and gardened at Castle Hill for 30 years. He said the applicant was applying under OPD with “no claimed expertise or experience” in horticulture.

“There is no evidence of her ability to manage the site on her own,” he said, describing the land as stony and the soil acidic.

Mr Ward said Ms Gillooley had chosen the most visible point for her house, and asked councillors, if minded to approve the application, to not allow the house to be built until the applicant had implemented all the horticultural plans.

Ms Gillooley said: “The house location has been carefully chosen to cause the least visual impact.”

She said it has a modest floor area and had been designed to blend into the landscape by using natural materials.

Addressing concerns about the soil, she said a trial cultivation of lavender has shown that with dedicated research and sensitive action the soil can be improved, and in response to the town council’s comments, she offered to host a presentation on OPD applications for all interested parties.

Ms Gillooley added: “I feel passionately about grass roots initiatives that lead to sustainability and a back to basics philosophy.

“I am seeking planning permission to enable me to live simply and modestly to respect and lovingly tend to this beautiful land.”

Newport Cllr Paul Harries proposed members go on a site visit.

He said: “I know the area particularly well and because I know it so well I would like to share it with the rest of you.”

A majority of members backed the motion and the visit will be carried out on February 8.