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Business

Wales tourism industry criticises lack of support in Welsh Government budget

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THE WALES TOURISM ALLIANCE (WTA) has welcomed some elements of the Welsh Government’s latest budget but has raised concerns over what it describes as a lack of financial support for the tourism sector.

The WTA has praised the additional funding allocated to health and social care, as well as the introduction of a £1 bus ticket pilot for under-21s. It highlighted that many young people in Wales start their careers in tourism and hospitality, and this initiative will make public transport more accessible, helping their earnings go further.

However, the alliance is disappointed by the continued lack of investment in tourism, an industry that contributes approximately £3.8 billion annually to the Welsh economy. It is calling for more funding for visitor infrastructure and greater promotion of Wales as a destination.

Instead, the sector is facing what it describes as “punitive” policies from the Welsh Government, including the requirement for holiday lets to be occupied for at least 182 days a year to qualify for business rates and the proposed visitor levy.

Concerns over tourism policies

The 182-day rule, introduced to ensure that holiday lets contribute to the local economy rather than sitting empty, has been met with opposition from tourism businesses. Many in the sector argue that meeting such occupancy levels is unrealistic in certain areas, particularly in rural Wales, where seasonal tourism is dominant.

The proposed visitor levy, which would allow local authorities to impose a per-person, per-night charge on overnight stays, is another source of concern. The Welsh Government argues that the levy, which is common in other tourist destinations worldwide, will generate up to £33 million annually to fund local infrastructure and tourism services.

However, the WTA and business owners fear that the charge will discourage visitors and place further financial pressure on the industry at a time when businesses are already struggling with rising costs. Ashford Price from the National Showcaves Centre has described the proposal as “utter insanity,” warning that it could add up to £35 to a family’s weekly stay and significantly impact tourism-dependent communities.

Political reaction

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, has strongly opposed the visitor levy, calling it “punitive” and warning that it will make visiting Wales more expensive during a cost-of-living crisis.

The Welsh Government has defended its policies, arguing that they are necessary to balance economic growth with sustainability and fairness to local communities. Mark Drakeford, in his role as finance secretary, has highlighted that such levies are standard practice in many international tourist destinations and provide a reliable revenue stream for reinvesting in tourism-related infrastructure.

Business response

Business organisations have expressed a mixed reaction to the budget. While they welcome some measures, such as the continuation of the 40% business rates relief for the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors, they have called for more targeted support. Industry leaders want improvements to the planning process, greater business support for growth, and further reforms to the business rates system to help smaller businesses.

With tourism contributing significantly to the Welsh economy, industry representatives argue that the government must do more to protect businesses from financial pressures and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The WTA has urged the Welsh Government to reconsider its approach and work with the industry to create policies that support rather than hinder tourism in Wales.

Business

Major housing development plans submitted for Broad Haven

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PLANS for a development of 76 homes in a Pembrokeshire seaside village have formally been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Millbay Homes, through agent Asbri Planning, seeks permission for the development of 76 homes and associated works on land East of Marine Parade, Broad Haven, near Haverfordwest.

The proposal seeks to build 10 one-bed properties; 20 two-bed, 32 three-bed, 10 four-bed, and four five-bed properties, with Millbay Homes have been liaising with the authority`s housing department about the requirement for affordable housing at the site, the authority favouring a rate of some 34 per cent affordable.

The site itself is allocated for up to 87 residential dwellings.

The applicants say the scheme will “lead to the creation of a high-quality and attractive place to live and will contribute to creating a distinct sense of place”.

A supporting statement adds: “Rather than imposing a rigid, flat layout, the homes are arranged to follow the natural contours of the land, stepping up and down in response to the site’s slopes.

“This approach minimizes the need for extensive excavation and preserves much of the natural landscape. It also ensures that each home has a unique relationship with its surroundings, with most properties benefiting from stunning sea views due to their elevated positions.

“By embracing the site’s topography, the development not only minimises its environmental impact but also creates a visually appealing and varied streetscape that feels integrated into the natural landscape rather than imposed upon it.”

The scheme has been subject to revisions following discussions with planners, moving from an initial increase from 62 to 77 homes, now dropped to 76 to provide an ‘informal open space’ “designed to meet the planners’ request and to offer a communal area where residents can enjoy outdoor activities and relaxation in a natural setting”.

The formal pre-application consultation ran up to late January of this year.

The statement stresses: “The proposed residential housing scheme represents a carefully considered response to the village’s architectural heritage, challenging topography, and coastal environment.

“Through a thoughtful, collaborative design process, incorporating comments and feedback from the planning officers and public, the development will create a vibrant, sustainable community that offers diverse housing options, maximises sea views, and integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.”

The application concludes: “The ambition for the site is to create a contemporary development of liveable, affordable homes within Broad Haven which takes advantage of the site’s seaside location, in accordance with the council’s housing allocation within the Local Development Plan. 

“In light of the above, it is concluded that the proposal fully accords with both national and local policies and there are no material considerations which should prevent the planning application from being determined in accordance with the relevant planning policy framework.”

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

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Business

Help to Buy Wales extended – new homes in Haverfordwest available through scheme

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has extended the Help to Buy – Wales scheme until September 2026, offering new opportunities for buyers to secure a property at the Augustus Grange development in Haverfordwest with financial assistance.

The scheme enables eligible buyers to purchase a new-build home valued up to £300,000 with just a five per cent deposit. The remaining amount is covered by a 75 per cent mortgage and a 20 per cent shared equity loan, which is interest-free for the first five years.

Five-star housebuilder Lovell Homes, which is delivering the development in partnership with Pobl Group, is encouraging potential buyers to explore the scheme’s benefits. Located off St David’s Road, Augustus Grange comprises 115 two and three-bedroom homes and lies just six miles from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Unlike some support schemes, Help to Buy – Wales is open not only to first-time buyers but also to existing homeowners looking to move.

A number of three-bedroom properties are currently available at the site, including the popular Lambourne and Lansdown designs.

Suzie Hewitt, regional sales director at Lovell Homes, said: “Help to Buy – Wales is a brilliant initiative and we’re delighted that it has been extended to 2026. For many, buying a home is the biggest financial step they’ll take, and this scheme makes that step more accessible.

“We’re offering a range of high-quality homes under £300,000 at Augustus Grange – perfect for first-time buyers, growing families, and those looking to rightsize. We encourage anyone interested to contact our sales team.”

Haverfordwest, the historic county town of Pembrokeshire, offers a mix of heritage and modern amenities. With its 12th-century castle, riverside walks along the Western Cleddau, a selection of shops and restaurants, and good transport links, it’s an attractive location for both families and commuters.

The Augustus Grange marketing suite is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. For further information, visit newhomes.lovell.co.uk/developments/augustus-grange-haverfordwest or call 01437 468024.

Terms and conditions apply. Full details on the Help to Buy – Wales scheme can be found at lovell.co.uk/offers/help-to-buy-wales.

Lovell Homes recently received a Gold award for customer service from In-house Research, with 93.6 per cent of South Wales and West customers saying they would recommend the company to friends and family.

Follow Lovell Homes:

  • Facebook: facebook.com/lovellhomes
  • Instagram: @lovell_homes
  • LinkedIn: @LovellPartnershipsLtd
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Business

Big changes made to major Cosheston solar farm development

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AMENDMENTS to a previously granted scheme for a south Pembrokeshire solar farm by using higher specification panels which would actually see less land covered have been approved by county planners.

Last year, plans for a nine-megawatt solar farm at West Farm, Cosheston, near Pembroke Dock by James Wallwork of One Planet Developments Limited were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The applicants said the scheme would generate enough power for 2,500 homes.

The scheme was initially recommended for refusal before a later recommendation for approval at last March’s planning committee; the scheme supported by Cosheston Community Council, which said the plans would be a natural rounding-off of the site, with no detrimental impact as it would neighbour the existing solar farm.

A supporting statement, through agent Mango Planning & Development Ltd, said: “The proposed development would contribute circa 9,337,000 KWh of renewable electricity to the local area, which will typically produce enough green electricity a year to power about 2,500 homes.

“The proposed development is for a temporary 40-year timescale and will be fully reinstated at the end of its operational life. There will be no loss of agricultural land.”

After last year’s approval, the applicants had asked for a change of planning conditions.

A supporting statement accompanying the amendment request says: “Subsequent to the grant of consent, the applicant has been advised that the solar panels originally proposed are no longer available. It is necessary, therefore, to substitute these with an alternative type.”

It says the proposed alternative panels would be slightly larger in size but “as a consequence of the improved specification of the proposed panels, a reduced site coverage is required to achieve the originally agreed output,” adding: “In particular, it is not now necessary to provide arrays in the small field at the east of the application site.”

The proposed amendments have been approved by planning officers.

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