Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

Pembrokeshire Council tax hike having the desired effect

Published

on

Pembrokeshire recently tripled its council tax for second homes. Wales permits its local authorities to increase council tax rates by 300 per cent. While the rule has been in place since April 2023, it has taken time for councils to commit to the hikes. The recent move by Pembrokeshire to bump to 300 per cent – a 200 per cent rise – has freed up what were many second homes.

Naturally, the major move has had mixed feedback. Some second homeowners see it as a counterproductive move. Others, predominantly people who don’t own second homes, welcome the move to make more properties available to local people. On paper, it’s a positive move at a time when demand for first-home buyers greatly outweighs availability. Even with Pembrokeshire relying on tourism, housing local people is more important.

Homes hit the market after tax increase

Source: Pixabay

Council tax increased by 200 per cent following Wales’ new rules to make it easier for people to buy homes where they grew up. In July alone, 135 second homes in Pembrokeshire hit the market. In July 2023, only 38 were put up for sale. The rate of houses hitting the market was the highest this century, per analysts. Those who remain now need to commercially rent out a property for 182 days per year – up from 70 – to get lower business rates.

If the house goes up for sale, the owner can sidestep council tax for a year. However, as the figures show, many second homeowners now want to sell swiftly. Getting out before the increase becomes too taxing is very much a desire for many. The options to do so quickly have offered an outlet to the exodus of second homeowners. Now, selling your home can be done for free. Anyone can get a free cash offer and then sell without hidden fees.

Furthering the mission to get local homes to local people, a new allocation policy could be of use. The county council met back in April to discuss the social housing allocation policy. Seen as outdated, the 2014-made policy utilises an open housing register. Tighter eligibility criteria are now being sought. Part of this could be that applicants need stronger proof of their connection to the county.

Some movement on the housing development front

As reported earlier in September, a new housing development in Tenby has been unanimously approved. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park had been receiving submission bids for the Brynhir development through the summer. This autumn, a pre-construction service agreement will likely be awarded. Once work gets underway, the plan is to have 125 new homes. Social housing has been highlighted as a particular need in Pembrokeshire.

Of the 125 homes, 93 will be retained by the council. The other 32 will go to the open market and shared ownership deals. As outlined before, there will be a way to prioritise the letting process from the council. Priority will be given to those connected to Tenby and the local villages. Of course, not all plans go as swimmingly. In the summer, a Narberth housing development was refused due to major concerns.

Pembrokeshire’s seeing the intended results from its second home tax hike. With additional housing on the way, on paper, it’s getting easier for those who grew up in the county to stay there.

 

Business

Tudor Glen Caravan Park Pembrokeshire planning call

Published

on

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire caravan site to be allowed static caravans in lieu of touring ones, which the applicant says was allowed back in 1988, has been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Keith Stevens of Tudor Glen Caravan Park, Jameston, through agent Lambe Planning & Design Ltd, seeks a certificate of lawfulness of an existing use of the site to establish the status of a 1988 planning permission.

Essentially what that means is the applicant is seeking confirmation of details of that permission as to whether it includes static or touring caravans.

A supporting statement says: “Tudor Glen Caravan Park is a long-established family owned and operated Holiday Park. The Park extends to approximately six acres and caters for families within static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

“The Park is exceptionally well run and achieved the 2025 runner up award for Best Family Campsite South Wales. The Park has a range of modern purpose-built facilities including a heated swimming pool, laundrette, dedicated play area, games room and full amenity facilities.”

Covering the 1988 approval of removing two previous conditions connected to the site, granting permission for up to 50 caravans and occupancy of March 1 to January 9, it says: “It does not stipulate that the caravans must be removed from the site during the ‘close period’ as would be the case if the consent related to touring caravans,” adding: “It is therefore clear that the intentions of that planning application and the consent granted relates to the siting of up to 50 caravans and not specifically touring caravans.

“If that consent were to be partially restricted to touring, a touring condition would have been imposed and / or a condition requiring that the caravans must be removed from the site during a close period – it doesn’t.”

It concludes: “Whilst the park has been operated on the basis of providing both Static Caravan and Touring Caravan Pitches, [the 1988] Planning Approval clearly gives permission for any type of caravan which complies with the Legal Definition of a Caravan.

“That permission does not restrict the type of unit to either static or touring caravans and does not restrict the layout of the holiday park it is therefore concluded that [the 1988 permission] allows for the siting of any unit which complies with the legal definition of a caravan, and does not restrict the layout or location of the units.

“The applicant therefore seeks confirmation from the LPA to that effect via this Certificate of Lawful (proposed) Use application.”

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

 

Continue Reading

Business

Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused

Published

on

A CALL for an extra sign advertising a Pembrokeshire holiday park, adding to exiting unauthorised ones, which planners say would create “visual clutter and intrusion” and a distraction to drivers, has been refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, permission was sought, through Lakeside Signs Limited, for an additional sign advertising Haven’s Lydstep Beach Village, near Tenby, the sign proposed for North Lodge where the holiday park joins the main road.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways authority raised no concerns regarding the specific location of the sign, but said “there remains a broader concern regarding the cumulative impact of signage along this section of highway,” adding: “The increasing proliferation of signs in this location has the potential to create a visually cluttered environment, which may distract drivers and, in turn, give rise to road safety implications.”

A Park officer report recommending refusal said: “Currently, there are eight flagpoles, one A-frame banner type sign, one pole mounted panel sign, and a further panel sign, located behind the stone wall on the western side of the park’s entrance. None of these advertisements have the benefit of advertisement consent.”

It added: “The increasing number of signs in this location has the potential to create a distraction to drivers, which may result in road safety implications. In addition, the proliferation of signage would create clutter that would result in visual intrusion in this countryside location affecting amenity. As such, the recommendation is to refuse.”

It went on to say: “Whilst it is not deemed that the proposed advertisement would result in harm being caused to the specific special qualities of this area, there are concerns that the display of this advertisement would, along with the remainder of the advertisements, which are unauthorised, result in a proliferation of advertisements, which in turn would cause visual clutter and intrusion.

“This is especially problematic in a countryside location where development is strictly controlled. Should the existing signage be consolidated and rationalised, the Authority may support the proposed sign, however, currently, any additional signage would not be deemed appropriate.”

The application was refused on the grounds that it would, along with the exiting signage, “result in visual clutter and intrusion which would detract from the visual amenity of this countryside location, and would result in potential distraction to drivers, which in turn would rise to road safety implications”.

 

Continue Reading

Business

The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot

Published

on

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Coal Building interpretation centre could soon host the third store for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd, in plans before the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd seeks a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

While no supporting statement has yet been published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application says the scheme would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

It says the proposed site is currently a mixed-use retail and gift shop, having previously been used as office space.

It adds: “This is a space within a building that is still trading, the space we are wanting a change of use was last used by Persimmon Homes as an office space.”

Of the scheme itself it says it will involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.

If approved, the Saundersfoot site would be the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

After that store opened following redevelopment of Newport’s Victorian market, Craig Taylor, of The Cheesecake Guy, said: “We are very excited to be part of the new development in Newport Market alongside some other amazing small businesses.

“We feel this is definitely the next step in the right direction after our Merthyr Tydfil store taking off so well.”

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

The Saundersfoot proposal will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

News18 hours ago

Plaid Cymru celebrates historic victory as Rhun ap Iorwerth arrives at Cardiff Bay

CROWDS gathered outside the Senedd as Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth arrived in Cardiff Bay following his party’s historic...

Crime19 hours ago

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old...

Crime23 hours ago

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident...

News2 days ago

Catastrophe for Labour as Plaid and Reform reshape Welsh politics

ELUNED MORGAN LOSES SEAT AS OLD CERTAINTIES ARE SWEPT AWAY THE VOTERS of Wales have delivered one of the most...

News2 days ago

Labour wiped out in Ceredigion Penfro as Plaid tops poll and First Minister loses seat

Shock result sends political shockwaves across Wales as Reform also surges in historic Senedd count LABOUR suffered one of the...

News2 days ago

Labour deputy says party ‘will not form next Welsh Government’

LABOUR FACES HISTORIC DEFEAT AS COUNTING CONTINUES ACROSS WALES LABOUR’S Deputy Leader in Wales has effectively conceded the Senedd election,...

News2 days ago

Counts underway in historic Senedd election

Wales waits for results as first election under new voting system reaches count stage COUNTING is underway across Wales today...

Charity3 days ago

Chief’s Tour honours fallen officers with 75-mile Pembrokeshire ride

Dyfed-Powys Police team raises thousands for bereaved police families charity A TEAM of officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police cycled...

Crime3 days ago

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room...

Crime3 days ago

Milford Haven woman denies causing suffering to cat

Jury hears evidence over alleged failure to seek treatment for tumour A MILFORD HAVEN woman has denied causing unnecessary suffering...

Popular This Week