Dave and Mayu Phillips have been allowed to breed guinea pigs, pigeons, and rabbits for food in Pembrokeshire, Wales, as part of their sustainable lifestyle. The couple's One Planet Development scheme, which also includes producing honey and walnuts, was approved at the Tuesday, June 30 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council's planning committee.
Details of the One Planet Development
The application sought full permission for a low-impact dwelling and integrated land-based activities at Walnut Grove, near Jeffreyston. The dwelling will meet caravan standards and be sited in the northern part of the site. The wider scheme includes continuation and expansion of honey production, development of the walnut enterprise, horticulture, small-scale livestock, renewable energy provision, and a reed bed wastewater system.
A supporting statement noted that the land has been in the Phillips family for 20 years, used as a base for Dave's father Jim's honey business. The site has over 50 walnut trees planted 15-20 years ago and 20 active beehives. In addition to honey, walnuts, fruits, and vegetables, the site will house a pair of breeding rabbits, three pairs of breeding guinea pigs for meat, and a flock of 20 pigeons for eggs and meat.
Council Approval and Financial Projections
An officer report stated that by the fifth year of the One Planet Development, projected income would be around £13,450-£16,850. At the committee meeting, Dave Phillips emphasized the ethos of the scheme, saying: "Humanity is living as if we have several more Planet Earths; once we've totally trashed this planet 'move on to the next one,' we can all play our part, living sustainably and Pembrokeshire County Council can play its part."
Committee chair Cllr Mark Carter expressed intrigue at the mention of guinea pigs for meat. Phillips clarified that the pigs are larger than pet varieties and similar to rabbits in meat production. Cllr Michael Williams raised a previous One Planet proposal for the site refused in 2023, but officers noted that scheme was not considered robust enough.
Unanimous Support
Cllr Carter supported the scheme, stating: "To me this looks like a good chance of success, with an income from day one." Members unanimously backed conditional approval of the scheme.
