4. How is the Welsh Government supporting sustainability in the rural economy? OQ56799

Llywydd, the Welsh Government supports sustainability in the rural economy through the basic payment scheme, the rural development programme and many other sources. Applications to the latest round of farm business grant funding, for example, opened on 1 September.

Diolch. Earlier this month, I visited farm owners Einion and Elliw Jones at Mynydd Mostyn farm in Trelogan near Holywell whose innovative and hugely popular COVID-driven milk vending machine business supplying fresh milk and milkshakes is under threat after Flintshire planning officers said the site was not lawful. In accordance with the Welsh Government's 'Planning Policy Wales' 11—PPW 11—it was clear that this farm-based business represents a small-scale diversification run as part of the farm business. Contrary to the planning officer's report, it was apparent from my visit that the provision of the milk vending machines is an ancillary use to the main dairy farm, not an entirely separate development to the farm, and that the goods being sold are produced primarily on the farm, with welcome sales of additional local and regional products. Rather than having an adverse effect on any other local business, this enterprise is welcomed and supported by the local community, and a petition has already attracted over 9,000 signatures, evidencing an apparent breach with PPW 11's statement that planning authorities should work collaboratively with the local community.

And it stated in the planning officer's report that the site was only accessible by vehicle; I witnessed contrary to that, that the site is accessible to walkers and cyclists in particular, and a wide range of sources or modes of travel. How will you therefore ensure that local planning authorities understand and comply with Welsh Government policy and the clear evidence that would be available to them on a site visit when considering diversification and sustainability in the rural economy?

Llywydd, I thank the Member for that question. I am aware of the case to which he refers, and the points that he has made this afternoon will now be properly on the record. I'm sorry that I'm going to have to disappoint him by not being able to say anything further, but I'm very clearly advised by my officials that the local authority having made its decision, the applicant, the farmer in this question, has a right of appeal to Welsh Ministers. And therefore because anything I might say might prejudice that decision, I should do no more than recognise the points that the Member has made, and I'm sure that they will be taken into account should the applicant choose to appeal.