Business
35 affordable homes plans for Cleddau Bridge Hotel site submitted

A FORMAL application on plans to build 35 affordable homes on the fire-ravaged site of the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock has been submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council.
A pre-application consultation on the plans was held in September and October ahead of the formal submission.
In a prime location at one of the entrances to Pembroke Dock the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been derelict since a fire in March 2019, which brought emergency services from as far afield as Ammanford, Aberystwyth and Swansea.
A previous planning application for the demolition of the hotel and siting of a residential care home and linked bungalows was submitted in October 2022 and which was subsequently granted permission in February 2023.
This permission, whilst in outline, is still live and allows for the loss of the hotel use of the site and its alternative redevelopment as a residential care home.
The site has now been purchased by Castell Group Property Specialists who specialise in delivering affordable housing in South Wales and have undertaken a joint development deal with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) and that deal was agreed back in April 2024.
Castell Group Property Specialists, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, now wants to demolish what is left of the hotel, with a development of affordable housing units, with landscaping and ecological enhancements, the housing being 100 per cent affordable, a mix of social rent and affordable housing.
Initial discussions with the council were for 38 affordable units, which has been lowered to 35 in a mix of 16 one-bed units, 11 two-bed units, six three-bed units and two four- bed units.
The applicants say: “The application offers an opportunity to find a solution to the redevelopment of the site, which has now been vacant and derelict now for some five years, and to make a significant contribution towards meeting the affordable housing needs of the area. The proposal is unique in that the scheme would be in the form of 100 per cent affordable housing.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has previously said the 2019 fire was started by a deliberate act.
Following a fire investigation, Dyfed-Powys Police said they found there to be insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.
Business
Thai massage clinic opens bringing authentic therapy to Milford Haven

A NEW traditional Thai massage clinic has opened in Milford Haven, offering specialist treatments for chronic pain, mobility issues, and stress relief — with a strong focus on therapeutic results.
Cosmic Thai Massage, based at 7 Pill Road, is run by Lisa, a qualified therapist originally from Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. Having lived in the UK for over a decade, Lisa has recently opened the business during her second week of trading and is already earning praise from early clients for her warm manner and clinical skill.

A single mother raising her young daughter, who attends a local primary school, Lisa has invested everything into launching her new venture. She is fully certified in medical massage by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, meaning she is trained not only in traditional Thai and oil massage, but also in treatments for conditions such as lymphoedema, back and neck pain, and muscular inflammation.
One recent visitor said the treatment helped with both lymphoedema and ankylosing spondylitis, noting that while parts of the session were painful due to the nature of the condition, “Lisa treated me with care, professionalism, and real compassion throughout.”
The business operates in a newly refurbished premises with a peaceful and hygienic environment. Clients are required to sign a medical consent form, and treatments are tailored to individual health conditions, with Lisa taking time to understand each client’s needs.
Services offered include:
- Traditional Thai massage
- Thai oil massage
- Deep tissue therapy
- Circulatory and lymphatic drainage
- Pain relief and mobility support for medical conditions
With many local residents struggling with access to NHS physiotherapy and long-term pain management options, businesses like Cosmic Thai Massage are filling a valuable gap in complementary healthcare.
Lisa told The Herald: “I want to help people feel better and bring Thai healing to Milford Haven. I’ve worked hard to make this space welcoming, and I’m so grateful for the support from the local community.”
Appointments can be booked online via:
👉 Fresha – Cosmic Thai Massage


Business
Headline sponsor announced for Wales Business Awards 2025

BEVAN BUCKLAND LLP, Wales’ largest independent accountancy firm, has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Wales Business Awards 2025.
The awards, organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, celebrate the best of Welsh business. Winners across 12 categories, plus the Wales Business of the Year, will be announced at the ceremony which takes place on 12 June at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff and sees broadcaster Andrea Byrne return as host.
As headline sponsor of the event, Bevan Buckland will have a notable presence at the ceremony and drinks reception, as well as opportunities to connect with dignitaries, finalists and the Welsh business community.
With a history spanning over 125 years, the firm is a familiar fixture of the professional services sector across Wales, operating from offices in Carmarthen, Cowbridge, Haverfordwest, Pembroke and headquartered in Swansea.
Bevan Buckland has grown rapidly over the past few years, employing 140 staff and providing a full range of services. Using their extensive experience and expertise, the team at Bevan Buckland provide top level accountancy, audit, tax, corporate finance and financial planning services for individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organisations to help them achieve their goals.
The firm works with a diverse range of sectors including construction and property, charity and not-for-profit, creative industries, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and ecommerce, and small businesses and startups.
Alison Vickers, Managing Partner of Bevan Buckland LLP, said: “We are thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the Wales Business Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Welsh businesses. Here at Bevan Buckland, our strong connection to Wales drives our passion for supporting the local business community. Witnessing the remarkable growth and success of so many Welsh businesses is truly inspiring. We are committed to celebrating their achievements and driving forward the entrepreneurial spirit and the continued excellence and ambition that define our region.”
Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their invaluable input, expertise in judging and support of the Wales Business Awards, and particularly extend our thanks to our headline sponsor Bevan Buckland. As we mark the successes of businesses in Wales, it’s fantastic to have the backing of a firm which is dedicated to helping businesses and organisations grow and thrive. It’s going to be an incredible ceremony!”
Business
Stepaside dog salon that opened illegally allowed to stay

A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire village dog grooming salon to keep running as the applicant didn’t realise he needed planing permission, has been backed by county planners.
Andrew Bird, in an application to Pembrokeshire County Council through agent Matthew Hitches Architectural Services, sought permission for a retrospective change of use of a domestic outbuilding at Roslyn Hill, Stepaside, to a dog-grooming salon, along with access alterations.
The change of use was completed last October.
Amroth Community Council has raised no objection to the scheme, other than concerns about its retrospective nature, and has welcomed the access improvements proposed, having previously raised concerns about road safety in the immediate area.
A supporting statement accompanying the application for the part-time business said: 2The applicant has been using the building for this purpose for several months and was unaware of the need to apply for planning permission, as the business is located within an existing outbuilding on the property.”
It added: “The salon is currently used on a part time basis, three days per week. The salon has just one appointment in the morning and one in the afternoon. So, the maximum number of visitors to the property would be six per week. The applicant has no intention of expanding the business any further.
“The vast majority of the applicant’s current clients live within Stepaside and Pleasant Valley and most will journey to the salon on foot. Although the business is situated within the countryside, it is considered essential that this business be situated in this location as it offers a valuable service to the local community.
“If the business were to be located elsewhere, this would mean local residents would need to travel by car to use such services. The number of customers arriving by car is minimal and there is considerable space for parking and turning within the property, if needed. It is therefore considered there will be no detrimental effect on highway safety.”
An officer report recommending approval said: “Whilst the proposal would not derive inputs from the land and would not be an enterprise for which a countryside location is essential. It is considered that due to the re-use of an existing building, associated noise effects a countryside location away from an urban environment would be acceptable.
“Furthermore, it can be considered that an urban/industrial setting is considered to be counterintuitive to the welfare of dogs could result in additional noise. As such, in this instance in can be considered that a countryside location may be acceptable subject to the acceptability of detailed considerations.”
The application was conditionally approved by county planners.
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