Business

Housing crisis in Pembrokeshire: Empty properties hold the key

Published

1 year ago

January 27, 2025

SOCIAL or affordable housing in Pembrokeshire is one of the key challenges which the local authority is currently having to negotiate. But with over 8,000 people currently on the ‘choice housing’ selection process, the local authority’s task is a tough one.

The answer, according to property analyst Tom Rees, is staring Pembrokeshire firmly in the face. There are currently no fewer than 750 empty properties scattered throughout the county, with many located in the towns which are most in need – Haverfordwest and Milford Haven.

“We have a huge number of redundant properties in our county town alone, many of which are Grade II listed,” Tom Rees told The Pembrokeshire Herald.

“By talking to the landlords and integrating with the prospective developers, we can begin thinking outside the box and devise restoration plans which will enhance the buildings but, most importantly, will also provide accommodation and commercial opportunities for the benefit of local people.

“The aim is to generate as much interest and awareness as possible and develop these buildings in a sensitive, architecturally sound way which will not only boost the towns’ heritage but which will also help address so many of our social and housing issues.”

Properties which Tom has already helped regenerate include the Old Snooker Hall in Haverfordwest and the town’s magnificent Wesleyan Chapel which has blighted Barn Street with its unsightly decay for many years. After extensive consultations with the planning authorities and their respective developers, both buildings will now house a number of social residential flats.

“Millions of pounds are currently being invested in Haverfordwest, yet throughout the town we’re seeing so many buildings with enormous potential being left to rot,” he said.

“My aim is to get Haverfordwest back to where it deserves to be by entering into conversation with the landlords and the developers on how this can be achieved.

“There are currently around 750 empty units in Pembrokeshire alone, and 90% of these are salvageable. The local authority is definitely on the same page as me and is doing as much as it can with compulsory purchases, but this process can be lengthy.

“This is why it’s important to start thinking outside the box and devise solutions to how these properties can be salvaged and put, once again, to good use.”

Tom’s initial discussions take place with the landlords.

“It’s important they understand how their property has reached whatever state it’s in and subsequently decide on the way forward. This can either be with a cash sale or entering into a joint venture.

“Around 99% of the properties in Haverfordwest High Street are owned by a few big landowners, so naturally considering the various ways forward can result in some tricky conversations.”

One way in which Tom seeks to alleviate the issue is by enhancing each property’s portfolio, particularly if the landlord is considering retirement.

“So many big time developers are being driven by how many new properties they can fit into a particular field, which isn’t remedying the social housing issues that are confronting Pembrokeshire,” continued Tom.

“Latest figures confirm that there are over 5,000 households on Pembrokeshire’s social housing waiting list, which has increased by more than 50% since 2018, so surely by renovating all those empty problems, this figure could be reduced considerably. And given their size, many of our empty buildings can accommodate up to 15 people”

The Wesleyan Chapel project was first started by its previous owner following planning consent in 2014 but is now undergoing fresh listed building consent applications with the local authority.

“So not only will the town now have new, much needed accommodation, but it will also have a beautiful looking building which will help improve the heritage of Haverfordwest,” said Tom. “And all these important architectural elements are being done correctly, such as the lead flashing, the slate roof, the correct windows and the proper woodwork, with the result that the chapel is being brought back to its former glory,”

A native of Llangwm, Tom trained as a commercial pilot, securing a job with Aer Lingus after a trial flight at Haverfordwest airfield when he was 16,

“I obviously enjoyed it because from then on I had two or three jobs to finance my flying lessons and got my full private pilot’s licence when I was 18.”

But the covid pandemic and its subsequent reduction in commercial flights brought him back to Pembrokeshire where he began taking an interest in property and set up Williams Property Investment.

“This is why I’m trying to do as much as I can to save some of the wonderful properties around us here in Pembrokeshire,” he said. “The solution to our housing shortage isn’t to build more houses. It’s to look around at what we already have and ensure everything is done to salvage them and bring them back to serve our towns and our county as they were originally intended.”

Business

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

Published

19 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works to Tenby’s listed building sailing club to improve energy efficiency for the community organisation has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Harrison Richards of Tenby Sailing Club sought permission for replacing 24 timber windows at the Grade-II-listed Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, with new Accoya timber double-glazed units.

The application added: “An energy survey conducted by Dragon Energy Consultants highlighted the existing single glazing and rotten window frames as a significant contributor to the club’s energy consumption.

“Tenby Sailing Club is a community organisation which seeks to organise activities year-round but faces significant energy costs being housed in a historic building. The current windows are beyond repair, with cracked glazing, decay, water ingress, and poor energy efficiency.

“The two windows at balcony level are not included, as they were previously replaced and remain in good condition. All new units will replicate the existing profiles, dimensions, glazing patterns, and overall appearance, ensuring no visual change to the building’s character.

“The neighbouring three-storey harbour stores occupied by Tenby Sea Cadets have previously replaced the building’s windows with double glazing. This like-for-like replacement in appearance will improve durability, weather resistance, and thermal performance while preserving the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Sailing Club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936.”

It said no adverse comments to the proposals had been received.

It added: “The proposal is to replace the majority (24 total) of windows in painted timber, double-glazed with face-mounted glazing bars of traditional scale and profile. Whilst a modern practice of glazing, the proposal involves no loss of historic fabric, provides an obvious visual improvement and addresses concerns as to heating costs.”

It finished: “The scheme is considered to be in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Business

Taxi fare shock in Milford Haven as drivers switch to meters

Published

24 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TAXI passengers in Milford Haven are facing a sudden jump in fares, as drivers increasingly switch on their meters and charge full council-approved rates.

One Herald reader said a short return trip from Milford Haven to Neyland cost £30 — around double what he expected to pay.

But drivers insist the prices are not new — they are simply the official tariff now being applied.

Under Pembrokeshire County Council rules, the standard daytime fare starts at £4 for the first mile (£5 after 6pm), rising by around £3 per mile thereafter. Waiting time is also charged, meaning even short return journeys can quickly add up.

Higher rates apply in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays.

End of the £3 taxi

Milford Haven has long been known for cheap taxis, with short in-town journeys often costing as little as £3 — far below official rates.

That was down to competition, older vehicles, and the need to keep prices low in a town where many rely on affordable transport.

Drivers say those days are now over.

One local driver told The Herald: “People got used to cheap fares, but that was never the real price. Now we have to use the meter or we’re losing money.”

Fuel costs biting

Most taxis run on diesel, now around 170p per litre locally. For drivers covering long distances each day, the increase has hit hard.

Global tensions in the Middle East have pushed up oil prices, feeding directly into higher fuel costs in the UK.

With fare increases requiring a lengthy council process, many drivers say they have no option but to charge the full tariff.

Vulnerable hit hardest

The change is being felt most by those who rely on taxis the most.

Elderly residents, people on low incomes and those without access to a car are now facing higher everyday travel costs.

There has been no recent increase in Pembrokeshire’s official taxi fares, which have remained broadly unchanged since 2022.

The difference is simple: drivers are now charging them.

As one put it: “We’re not putting prices up — we’re just finally charging what we’re supposed to be charging.”

Business

Cardiff Airport expects Easter passenger surge as demand rises

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CARDIFF AIRPORT is preparing for a busy Easter getaway, with more than 46,000 passengers expected to travel through the airport over the holiday period.

The figure represents an 18% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting growing demand for both sunshine destinations and European city breaks.

The busiest routes this Easter are set to be Alicante, Dublin and Málaga, with flights operated by airlines including Ryanair, Vueling and TUI Airways.

Travellers heading for warmer weather can also take advantage of direct flights to the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, alongside popular destinations such as Faro and Palma.

The airport says the increase builds on a strong start to 2026, with passenger numbers continuing to rise.

Chief executive Jon Bridge said the airport is approaching the one million passenger mark and expects the summer season to be its busiest since the pandemic.

He said: “It’s been an incredibly positive start to the year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming more passengers over the Easter period.

“Our teams are working hard to ensure travellers can start their holidays smoothly.”

Passengers travelling over Easter are being advised to allow extra time for their journey and check with airlines for the latest updates.

A total of 46,158 passengers are expected to pass through the airport between March 27 and April 12, with arrivals and departures almost evenly split.

Cardiff Airport said it continues to expand its range of destinations, including the addition of a direct service to Toronto, as it looks to strengthen its role in connecting Wales to international travel.