Proposals to convert farm outbuildings into “much-needed” specialist holiday accommodation for the disabled have been approved by councillors against the advice of “over zealous” planning officers.

Meeting virtually on Wednesday, members had been asked to refuse the plans at Cymunod, between Bryngwran and Caergeiliog, after concerns were flagged over the distance of the site from public transport and other amenities.

But planning committee members unanimously backed the plans after they were described as “unique” and filling a known gap in the island’s accommodation provision.

The plans would see the redundant barns converted into four holiday units, each consisting of between two and five bedrooms each and adapted to accommodate wheelchairs and disabled access.

Councillors were told that the applicants, Sioned and Iolo Jones, had lived on the island all of their lives but were looking to diversify the farm business after becoming aware of the lack of suitable accommodation due to themselves having a  disabled son who is a wheelchair user.

But despite the officers’ report flagging up concern that the farm’s relative isolation would mean that only private transport would be suitable, one member described their findings and recommendation as “over zealous.”

Cllr Robin Williams added: “The report should be clear that this proposal is for accommodation for the disabled and must say that the planning department has been over zealous in their interpretation of policy.

“If the users are disabled and need the use of a wheelchair then they are going to need use of a car to get back and forth regardless, and I will back the application.”

Local members also spoke in favour of the plans, with Ken Hughes describing the units as “bespoke” and there being a “clear need” for such a development on the island.

“This development will not lead to the loss of any existing housing stock nor will it impact on any neighbours, with no objections whatsoever having been raised within the community,” added Cllr Hughes.

“From the heart I urge you to support the applicants in their attempt to make a difference.”

Cllr Vaughan Hughes pointed to Cymunod’s rich history within Welsh literacy tradition, while Cllr Llinos Medi added: “Its clear from the report that this application has more going for it than it has objections and it’s fair to say that these plans will also improve the visual impact of the outbuildings that can be seen from the A55.

“The only reason to object that I can see is that it’s a few steps too far from local shops and that is not a valid reason to refuse in my view.”

The application was approved unanimously, but as the members went against the recommendation of officers the item will be presented once again for final approval at the next planning meeting on January 13 following a month’s “cooling off” period.