A CALL to allow a former riding stables to keep a multi-purpose building built without permission has been allowed, but its new purpose for wedding venues will need a new application.

In an application submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Lawson & Penny Owen of LJP Owen Ltd, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought permission for a certificate of lawfulness for a multi-use building at Johns Barn, Nolton Stables, Nolton.

In application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period.

A supporting statement said the building had been used for a variety of purposes including a meet and greet use in connection with the operation of a family-owned riding stables, for various parties and occasions including birthday parties and for expansion with weddings and wedding receptions.

It added: “Mr Lawson Owen’s grandfather, along with his sons, started the stables early 1960s and his mum and dad ran the stables from 1975. Mr Owen left school in 1995 and LJP Owen Ltd took over running the stables from 2005 (Lawson, James and Penny). There is no planning history in respect of the construction of this mainly timber building which has been designed and used since 2016 for a variety of activities within Use Class D2, nor in respect of the subsequent extension, which was added by Summer 2020 and which contains a toilet block.

“Although the multi-purpose building was constructed to act as a meet and greet centre and toilets in conjunction with the established riding school / pony trekking centre based at Nolton Stables, the first use towards the end of December 2016 was to host a family event to which over 100 guests were invited.”

It said the facility predated other ventures at the site including a horse riding experience and ‘zorbing’ and segwaying.

It said that Covid restrictions in place from 2020 “resulted in the abandonment of pony trekking and hence the sale of the horses from Nolton Stables as it was economically impractical to feed and maintain the animals, saddles etc for an extended period when there was no income,” adding: “Zorbing and segwaying also had to cease because of the associated level of social contact.”

It went on to say: “The principal use of the building is now multi-purpose with wedding venue ceremonies now popular too and subsequent reception with a number of the guests staying in holiday accommodation in and around Nolton; some of which is currently managed by the applicants or to be developed by the applicants. (An application for nine holiday units is currently awaiting validation and processing by PCNP).”

An officer report in part supported the certificate of lawfulness, but felt the current use of the barn as a wedding venue, from 2022, “is considered to be a further change of use from the equine use to a sui generis use,” with a continuous period of use of for a longer period needed for that element of the ‘lawfulness’ application.

In granting the certificate of lawfulness for the building itself and equine use, it said: “The unauthorised building has a lawful equestrian activity use and any change of use from this has not yet become lawful,” adding the use as a wedding venue would require a separate planning application.

WALES risks falling behind on its long-term infrastructure needs unless major barriers to planning, funding and delivery are tackled, a leading advisory body has warned.

The National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) this week (Mar 23) published two major reports setting out what the country will need over the next 80 years — and why current systems are failing to deliver.

The Wales Infrastructure Assessment examines key sectors including energy, transport, water, digital and the circular economy, while a separate Infrastructure Delivery Report focuses on how projects can be better planned, funded and completed.

The Commission says that despite strong policies already in place, many major projects are delayed or fail to progress due to systemic problems. These include complex approval processes, short-term political and funding cycles, and a shortage of skilled workers.

It also highlights a lack of joined-up thinking across sectors, with transport, energy and digital systems often planned in isolation, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

Concerns were also raised about fragile confidence among communities and investors, driven by frequent policy changes, inconsistent engagement and uncertainty over long-term funding.

NICW has identified eight priority actions to improve delivery, including longer-term funding commitments, planning reform, better collaboration between sectors, investment in skills, and earlier engagement with communities.

Dr David Clubb, Chair of the Commission, said: “Wales has no shortage of ambition. What we face is a shortage of delivery. Unless we address the structural barriers in the system, we will not meet the needs of current or future generations.

“The next Senedd must be prepared to make long-term, and sometimes difficult, choices.”

The reports also stress the importance of better data and long-term planning, drawing on international approaches to support more informed decision-making.

With the Senedd election approaching, the Commission said the next Welsh Government will have a critical opportunity to reset how infrastructure is delivered — and warned that failure to act could undermine economic growth, climate targets and public confidence.

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has renewed calls for stronger action to tackle water pollution in Pembrokeshire after joining local open water swimmers in Saundersfoot.

The Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd Member attended a morning sea swim with groups including the Numb Nuts and the Blue Tits on Friday (Mar 13), where concerns were raised about sewage discharges into Welsh waterways.

He said public frustration over water quality was continuing to grow.

“Pembrokeshire is blessed with some of the most beautiful coastline and waterways in the UK, and they should be protected for everyone who lives here and enjoys them,” said Mr Kurtz.

“However, I regularly hear from residents, swimmers, surfers and local businesses who are deeply frustrated by repeated reports of sewage discharges into our rivers and seas, while water company executives continue to receive large bonuses or hide behind a not-for-profit status.”

Mr Kurtz welcomed enforcement action taken against Welsh Water following pollution incidents, but warned that fines alone were not enough.

“Penalties must lead to meaningful improvements,” he said. “The money should be reinvested directly into upgrading sewage infrastructure so these incidents become far less frequent.

“Customers should not be left paying higher water bills to fix failures that should have been addressed years ago.”

He also stressed that responsibility for water quality lies with the Welsh Government.

“Water quality in Wales is fully devolved, meaning decisions about regulation, environmental standards and oversight are made here in Wales, not in Westminster,” he said.

Mr Kurtz has repeatedly raised concerns in the Senedd about pollution affecting Pembrokeshire’s rivers and coastline, including the River Cleddau and designated bathing waters.

In a previous debate, he called for a statutory duty on water companies to take all reasonable steps to prevent sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and the sea—similar to measures introduced in England. The proposal was rejected by Welsh Labour ministers.

He said the response reflected a wider reluctance to adopt stronger measures.

“Time and again I have raised concerns about sewage discharges and their impact on our environment, only to see sensible proposals dismissed,” he said.

“This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting our environment and restoring public confidence in the safety of our waterways.”

Mr Kurtz also highlighted the role of community groups and local initiatives, including the Cleddau Project, which aims to improve the ecological health of the river catchment.

“There is some excellent work happening locally,” he said. “But we need a joined-up, Wales-wide approach rather than piecemeal action.

“That means tackling sewage infrastructure, agricultural run-off, environmental monitoring and enforcement together. I will continue to press this issue in the Senedd.”