News

End of the road for Chequers

Published

11 years ago

December 9, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Venue to be redeveloped: The club with a chequered history

THE PLANNING inspectorate has over turned a decision of Pembrokeshire County Council, who had refused permission to owners Rob Davies and Hettie Jones to convert former Chequers nightclub into holiday apartments. The inspector, Mr Gareth Rennie, decided to override the Council’s decision as the area would benefit from new holiday accommodation in a recognised tourist area.

The site previously had permission for holiday apartment development but with the adoption of the new Local Development Plan in 2013, Pembrokeshire County Council felt this use would not be compatible with their new policies and refused to renew their decision, and most disconcertingly for the appellant they felt that the former use of the building as a night club had been totally abandoned.

However, Mr Rennie agreed with Hayston’s argument at the planning hearing that the current use was active as a boxing club and public house was likely to start operating again soon, therefore the building had not been abandoned and had an entertainment use. A presentation was also made to show how the other reasons for refusal were overcome and that the reuse of this building for a quality holiday complex would be a significant improvement to both the appearance of the building and regeneration of the area.

The applicant, Mr Rob Davies said: “I am delighted with the successful appeal and hope this will still allow a quality investment into the redevelopment of Chequers to the benefit of Pembrokeshire tourism.” In his report, the planning inspector said: “The holiday units are suited to this rural location, would make a positive contribution to the local economy, and would help prevent the further deterioration of the appeal building.”

Managing director of Hayston, Andrew Vaughan-Harries said of the decision: “We are thrilled to have won this appeal, and pleased that Mr Davies will now be able to develop this site into something far more attractive and useful to both local residents and visiting tourists.” John ‘The Dentist’ Vaughan, a former DJ who worked at the venue said: “I am saddened whenever I hear of these old local independent clubs being demolished. It marks the end of an incredible era.

To me, that is what the demolition of a club like this is – it is a devastating blow to individuality and the importance of music.” The club was closed down by authorities in 1997 following a drugs raid which led to the arrest and conviction of the then licensee Dafydd Gittins for drugs offences. He was jailed but later his conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal who said that the police ‘at best exaggerated and at worst lied’ in order to get the conviction. In 2003 local businessman Thomas Sinclair, now the editor of The Herald, ran Chequers as a private members club after the council refused to grant a new public entertainment licence for the venue. At the time multiple attempts by the council to close the club down again, including at the High Court failed.

Entertainment

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN

A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.

The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.

The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.

“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.

“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.

Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.

Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.

November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.

The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.

Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.

Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.

“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”

Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.

Climate

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair