PLANS for an InPost e-commerce parcel locker service at a Pembrokeshire seaside village have been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, InPost UK, through agent Skipton-based NL Jones Planning, seeks permission for an InPost Parcel Locker at Bay View Stores, Maes Ewan, Solva.

InPost is an affordable and easy-to-use parcel locker service throughout the UK where you can send and return parcels quickly with contact-free delivery.

A supporting statement says: “In 2024, we delivered 93.2 million parcels across the UK. We partner with a wide range of public and private landowners to host InPost Lockers – from local authorities, transport operators, supermarkets, independent retailers, small medium enterprises, and developers.”

It says e-commerce now accounts for 30 per cent of all retail UK sales, but “while this growth brings consumer convenience, the final leg of delivery – known as the ‘last-mile’ – is putting pressure on our streets and wallets, if all deliveries continue to be delivered to door,” with both more delivery vehicles on the road and “home deliveries more inconvenient and missed parcels more common” as more people return to the office post-Covid.

It adds: “InPost is committed to stimulating economic growth, having announced a further £600 million investment until 2029 bringing our total UK investment to £1 billion – supporting up to 12,000 jobs while boosting national and regional logistics capabilities.

“As a business, we also stimulate the local economy in several ways: Competitive industry leading postage rates – our latest service, Send, allows label-free parcel sending to any InPost locker or home-address from £1.99.

“This service offers substantial new business opportunities often for local small and medium businesses, such as Etsy sellers, offering a more convenient, efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional services.”

It says the service also benefits small local businesses such as convenience stores through increased footfall, adding: “In exchange for hosting a locker, InPost pays landlords guaranteed rent, transforming unused spaces to become a popular in-demand community asset that also provides a new additional income stream.”

The application will be considered by planners at a later date.

PLANS to extend a Pembrokeshire veterinary surgery which were previously refused have now been granted.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, IVC Evidensia, through agent Inspire Design Ltd, sought permission for an extension of the Oak Veterinary Surgery, Well Lane, Haverfordwest.

An earlier application was refused last September on the grounds officers considered there was insufficient information and evidence of foul drainage proposals submitted in support of the application to facilitate the completion of an Appropriate Assessment in order to determine the impact on the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation and a lack of information about how the proposal could impact on protected species, namely bats.

Both applications raised no concerns from Haverfordwest Town Council.

An officer report recommending approval for the latest scheme said the plans are “of moderate scale and appear as subservient in form to existing veterinary surgery,” adding: “The proposed alterations are of an acceptable design; the finish materials are deemed appropriate and appropriately match the existing.”

In went on to say the latest application was accompanied a detailed ecology survey which said “there was no evidence of bat emerging from the building on either survey, thus demonstrating sufficient evidence the proposed development will not pose a harmful impact on protected species”.

On the potential impact on the Marine SAC, the report said: “The development is for the extension to existing veterinary practice.

“It is considered that as the existing toilets and proposed toilets and lab/surgery rooms will be used in the main by local residents attending the local veterinary surgery for appointment already served by residential connections to existing public or private sewers discharging within the SAC catchment, the proposed development will not lead to an intensification in nutrient inputs to the SAC.”

The application was conditionally approved.

A £180,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales has helped bring a new eco-friendly tourism development to life overlooking the River Teifi in Cardigan.

Fronteifi Nature Lodges, created by husband-and-wife team Tim and Julia Percival, opened this autumn and offers high-quality, accessible and environmentally responsible accommodation designed to support the local visitor economy.

Having moved to Cardigan in January 2022, Tim, a retired architect, and Julia, who continues to work in social housing, set out to transform their 2.5-acre site into a small-scale, nature-led destination inspired by the surrounding Teifi Marshes.

Following full planning consent in 2023, the couple developed two five-star timber-framed lodges, alongside a garage with loft apartment, landscaped grounds, guest pathways and new drainage infrastructure. While most of the construction was self-funded, the £180,000 loan from the Development Bank’s Wales Tourism Fund supported completion of the Seren loft apartment and the final phase of hard landscaping and guest facilities.

The project has been delivered with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social value. Local tradespeople and specialist contractors were used throughout, while independent businesses from the surrounding area supplied furnishings, artwork, tree planting, ecological consultancy and guest services.

A wide range of low-carbon technologies has been incorporated, including photovoltaic panels, EV charging points, air-source heat pumps, sheep’s wool insulation, ground-screw foundations, eco stoves and sedum (green) roofs. Materials from existing buildings on site were reused wherever possible, and more than 35 new trees have been planted to enhance biodiversity and carbon capture.

The development aligns with sustainable tourism priorities set by Ceredigion County Council and has also benefited from a £50,000 Cynnal y Cardi grant, supported through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Accessibility has been central to the design. The Tir and Afon lodges offer level access throughout, step-free entrances, level-access showers, and clear orientation features for guests with mobility or visual needs. Wheelchair-friendly pathways lead to a riverside deck and a purpose-built bird hide, Bwthyn Adar, overlooking the Teifi and its wildlife.

Fronteifi Nature Lodges can accommodate up to 12 guests across the two lodges and the Seren loft apartment, targeting visitors seeking modern, luxurious and sustainable accommodation in west Wales.

Each lodge features open-plan living areas, adjustable beds, digital access, luxury bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs and welcome hampers showcasing seasonal local produce. The business also holds fishing rights on the Teifi and is listed with Canopy and Stars, connecting the site to audiences seeking high-end, nature-focused stays.

Julia Percival, co-founder of Fronteifi Nature Lodges, said: “The support from the Development Bank has enabled us to complete the final phase of the project while staying true to our environmental and community principles. We’re proud to have worked with so many local businesses and to offer guests the chance to experience the natural beauty of the Teifi Valley.”

David Knight, investment executive at the Development Bank of Wales, added: “Fronteifi Nature Lodges is a great example of a locally driven tourism project that combines sustainability, accessibility and community benefit. It aligns closely with the aims of the Wales Tourism Fund in supporting distinctive, high-quality destinations across Wales.”

The Wales Tourism Investment Fund is a £50 million fund, financed by the Welsh Government, offering loans between £100,000 and £5 million to support standout tourism projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and a commitment to the Economic Contract.