Planners have refused to allow a redundant Pembroke stable block to be converted to a wellness treatment centre for a holistic treatment business.

Jonathan Morris and Grace Bursey, in an application submitted through agent Heath Coombe Architecture, sought permission for the conversion at Stoops Lake, Glenside, Holyland Road, near Pembroke.

A supporting statement said: “At present Grace operates Gemaura Beauty, a successful holistic and beauty treatment centre located in Monkton, Pembroke which has operated for the last six years and offers hot stone therapy, massages, waxing, skincare and facials, nail services, podiatry services and general wellbeing advice.

“The green space provides a location that backs the evidence that a wellness treatment will treat the whole person– mentally, physically, environmentally, spiritually– in such a way that it will help impact their lifestyle, culture, creativity and connectivity more positively.

“The current premises unfortunately doesn’t offer the prospect of growth or enhanced diversification that grace has envisioned for the continued enhancement of the business. As the ethos of the business and growth is embodied within a sense of greater wellbeing, The heavily trafficked area in its current location is noisy and impersonal, which doesn’t support the current or future business needs.”

An officer report recommending refusal said: “Development in the countryside is only permitted where it is essential to meet the requirements of people who live and work in the countryside. Whilst part of the stable building would be retained, it would be extended significantly to provide the accommodation on offer which would completely alter the scale and character of the building to that of one which is a new modern building for a new business.

“No detailed information has been provided with the application to demonstrate that a countryside location is essential for the relocation of an existing beauty/treatment business which operates in Monkton.”

The application was refused on the grounds the “proposed development would result in a building of a significant scale and domestic appearance in a countryside location, therefore creating unjustified visual intrusion and a harmful effect upon the character and appearance of the surrounding rural area”.

Jonathan and Grace told the Observer: “While we respect the council’s perspective, we believe the wellness centre enhances our countryside rather than detracts from it. By revitalising a neglected building and utilising beautiful outdoor spaces, our aim was to create a unique community resource that supports mental and physical well-being—something we hoped would be encouraged and embraced by PCC.”