Plans to site a helicopter landing pad on a Ceredigion farm to support a local company that operates Europe-wide, have been approved.

Jason Thomas, in an application to Ceredigion County Council submitted through agent Cynllunio RW Planning Ltd, seeks permission for a change of use of agricultural land to a helicopter landing area, along with the construction of small concrete loading and unloading area, at the 352-acre Crugywhil, near Rhuddlan, Llanybydder.

Supporting documentation for the application says: “Crugywhil Farm is a mixed cattle and arable farm of approximately 352 acres. The farm is farmed by Jason Thomas and family who also farm other farms in the locality.

“Jason Thomas and family also own and operate [Pencader-based] ATP (Aneurin Thomas Ploughing) which is a large company operating across Europe specialising in the installation of cable, duct and pipelines via trenchless technology. The services provided are in demand as European countries seek to decarbonise their energy infrastructure.

“The proposal is to site a helicopter landing pad on a piece of land adjacent to the farmstead at Crugywhil. The site already benefits from a hard-core access and yard area adjacent and is currently down to improved grassland.  Limited works are required to enable the development. The only physical works required on site will be laying of a small 3.3 metres by 3.3 metres concrete hardcore area for aiding loading and unloading of the helicopter. No other works are required.

“The helicopter pad will be for occasional use only for visiting clients and any emergencies which may arise in the area.”

The statement says it is also proposed to allow emergency services access to the facility and permit National Grid to land at the site to aid their routine work and during emergencies.

It added: “The proposed development is required to support an existing well-established business in the area. The business is a key employer, and its services are in demand as Europe looks to invest in its energy networks. As the company operates over a large geographical area visiting clients, politicians and staff sometimes utilise helicopters, thus the need for such a facility.”

An officer report recommending approval, said: “The principle of development in this case is unusual in that the operational development is very minor and the stated frequency of its use is to be infrequent and random. The provision of a helipad will naturally facilitate the use of the land for this purpose, however the landing of a helicopter on land in itself is not development and thus can occur at any practical location when viewed simply as an infrequent mode of transport.

“The provision of a helipad is therefore viewed solely as a means of ensuring the safe landing and take-off of a helicopter on land that may already be used for this purpose without the need for planning permission.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.