News

Derelict Pembrokeshire Roch Gate Motel to be redeveloped

Published

1 month ago

May 23, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A MULTI-MILLION POUND scheme to redevelop a derelict Pembrokeshire motel, described as “one of the last true blots on our county’s landscape” with the promise of creating 18 jobs, and even bringing back a post office lost after the Horizon scandal, has been approved.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s May 21 development management committee, Nick Neumann of Newgale Holidays sought permission to redevelop the former Roch Gate Motel to a mixed commercial and community use hub called ‘The Gate,’ including a village shop/post office, bistro/restaurant, and a tourism development of 18 holiday lodges.

Since a pre-application consultation in 2023 and a formal submission of plans last September, amended plans reduced the landscape impact, as well as reducing the number of lodges from 25 to 18 and removing previously included industrial units from the scheme.

The application was recommended for approval despite concerns raised by Natural Resources Wales on visual and landscape impacts, a report for planners saying: “The proposal, however, is recognised as bringing significant benefits in terms of removing a building which is causing harm to the National Park landscape at present, given its significant dilapidation and disrepair.”

The vacant derelict former motel – dubbed an “eyesore” in previous applications – closed back in 2008 and has a history of later approved planning schemes, including as a bespoke hotel and an affordable housing scheme, but none have come to fruition.

Speaking at the May meeting, applicant Nick Neumann, who has become a county councillor since the scheme was first mooted, said: “The former Rochgate Motel located at the gateway to the St Davids Peninsula on the A487 is somewhat famous for the wrong reasons as it remains one of the last true blots on our county’s landscape. Namely the ‘pink palace’ has remained dormant for nearly 20 years slowly deteriorating in condition whilst various proposals have come forward and never materialised.

“The site, originally a former World War 2 radar station which became a commercial premises including motel, restaurant, spa and events facility in the early 1960s, was a much-loved popular venue for nearly 50 years before closing its doors in 2008.

“Today we still receive comments from people who loved the motel back in the day. I myself can fondly remember visits with my late parents, and I wouldn’t mind betting that at least one person at this meeting today would have memories of a visit to the motel. The motel was an institution back then and with your approval, will become once again.”

He added: “The scheme (aptly named ‘The Gate’) will include the reinstatement of a bistro style restaurant, a village shop (an asset lost from our community within the last two years), an events space, and a modest tourism development, all just a stone’s throw from Newgale sands, and six miles from our county town.

“The proposal will bring a significant multi-million-pound investment into the community, create 18 FTE jobs, restore lost community provisions, and will see the revitalisation of the brownfield site with a new exciting provision to our growing community of Roch.”

He finished: “We have in principle funding agreed by the Development Bank of Wales, and in principle grant funding agreed by Visit Wales. Our intention would be to start the development as soon as conditions were discharged, with a fully committed phasing plan in place commencing with the demolition of all existing buildings and the planting of new landscaping.”

Other speakers at the meeting raised their support for the proposals, with former community council chair, and chair of the Nolton and Roch community Land Trust, David Smith saying an ad-hoc survey of local residents had seen more than 120 supportive responses in just a few days.

He contrasted two previous granted, but never implemented, schemes for “an ugly replacement motel” and an “ill-conceived housing development” with the current scheme, which includes a replacement post office; the former post office indirectly closing in part due to the Horizon Post Office scandal, where many postmasters were wrongfully convicted as a result of faults in accounting software developed by Fujitsu for Horizon.

He said the scheme would “significantly enhance the convenience and wellbeing of local residents,” as well as creating jobs and would “replace a decaying eyesore that is a blight on the community”.

Current community council chair Michael Harries also spoke, saying the community has been “tarnished by a pink monstrosity eyesore” since the motel closed in 2008.

He contrasted the “false hopes” of previous schemes with Mr Neuman’s plans, saying residents had waited for a long time for a suitable development and were “excited to see this project progress”.

Moving approval, Cllr Simon Hancock said he was “really, really delighted” to do so, saying it would be a “huge economic benefit” for the area, with Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall seconding the “fantastic way forward,” along with Cllr Chris Williams in support, who said: “I can’t believe it’s been so long, it has been an eyesore, I’m absolutely delighted something is going to come out of this.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Business

New offshore wind action plan promises major boost for west Wales economy

Published

15 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Government aims to unlock £4.8bn opportunity for local businesses and ports

A NEW action plan from the Welsh Government aims to turn Wales’ offshore wind potential into a major economic driver — with significant benefits expected for Pembrokeshire.

The Offshore Wind Task and Finish Group Action Plan, published on Tuesday (May 24), outlines how more than 15GW of offshore wind power could be harnessed from Welsh waters — with floating wind in the Celtic Sea at the heart of the proposals.

The plan follows the recent announcement that two companies have been awarded rights to develop 3GW of floating wind farms in the Celtic Sea. The Crown Estate has also confirmed a third site will be leased, bringing the total capacity to 4.5GW.

This area lies directly off the Pembrokeshire coast, and local infrastructure — particularly the port at Milford Haven — is expected to play a key role in the rollout.

The plan includes a dedicated Welsh Ports Prospectus to highlight investment opportunities and attract large engineering contractors to anchor supply chain activity locally. With proper support, Milford Haven and Port Talbot are seen as crucial sites for manufacturing, assembly, and servicing.

Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of Supply Chain for RenewableUK, said: “Over the next decade alone, £32 billion in economic value is at stake, including a £4.8 billion opportunity for Welsh businesses and more than 3,000 skilled jobs.

“To unlock that value, we must now move swiftly from planning to delivery — and industry stands ready to work with government to make it happen.”

The action plan also calls for stronger planning frameworks, long-term leasing visibility, and a dedicated Welsh Government team to oversee delivery.

Pembrokeshire Council has previously supported renewable energy expansion at Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven, and local leaders are expected to press for further investment in skills and infrastructure to ensure the county shares fully in the benefits of the green energy transition.

Health

Health board and university strengthen partnership to boost well-being in west Wales

Published

16 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

New memorandum focuses on research, education, and innovation

HYWEL DDA University Health Board and Aberystwyth University have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to extend their longstanding partnership, with a focus on improving health and well-being in communities across west Wales.

The agreement commits both institutions to collaborate on a range of areas including research and development, the creation of new educational programmes, and the shared use of specialist facilities and expertise.

The partnership also includes plans to boost innovation and enterprise, with the Health Board and University set to work together—and with industry—on the development of new medical devices and technologies.

The organisations will explore opportunities in workforce development, education, and training. This will include student placements in non-clinical settings, fellowships and studentships, graduate training schemes, joint appointments, and the creation of new academic programmes.

Aberystwyth University and Hywel Dda UHB have enjoyed a strong working relationship in recent years. This partnership is viewed as vital to addressing the evolving needs of the NHS workforce and tackling health inequalities across the region.

To mark the latest step in their collaboration, Hywel Dda Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer, Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis, and Professor Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda, attended a ceremony to thank both existing and newly appointed honorary members of staff for their contribution to the partnership.

Dr Kloer said: “The signing of this memorandum builds on the long-standing relationship and good work we have jointly undertaken with Aberystwyth University. We are really pleased to be continuing this collaboration in new areas.

“I’m delighted to build on the great work of previous years and begin exploring further opportunities to improve health and well-being in our rural communities.”

Professor Jon Timmis, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, added:
“I’m very proud of the strength and depth of our ongoing partnership with the Health Board—something only possible thanks to the dedication of staff across both organisations.

“For more than 150 years, our University’s teaching and research excellence has changed lives, built communities, and helped strengthen Wales. The success of our new nursing degrees is testament to this.

“As Wales’s first university college, we have a proud tradition of innovation—and this partnership will remain central to our mission in the years ahead.”

The impact of the collaboration has already been seen across the region, including the opening of a new Healthcare Education Centre and the discovery of biomarkers that may lead to a more accurate diagnostic test for lung cancer.

Dr Leighton Phillips said: “This new Memorandum reaffirms our commitment to working closely with Aberystwyth University for the benefit of our region. The education centre and growing research links mark the start of an exciting new chapter.

“We are also keen to connect with other major developments at the University, such as AberInnovation and Cymru Wledig LPIP—the Local Policy and Innovation Partnership for Rural Wales.

“These projects align with our newly launched Research and Development Strategic Plan, which sets out ambitious goals to increase staff development and participation in commercial research over the next five years.”

Higher education is estimated to contribute around £135 million annually to the Ceredigion economy. It provides high-quality employment, attracts students and researchers from across Wales and beyond, and delivers life-changing research and training for key public sector institutions such as the Health Board.

News

Haverfordwest Amateur rider qualifies for Horse of the Year in SEIB Search for a Star

Published

16 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Herald Sport

AN AMATEUR rider from Haverfordwest, Grace Gibbon, and her horse, The Granite Way have qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham this October.

Hannah and The Granite Way had a 12.30am start for the journey to Pickering Grange in Leicestershire for the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier on the 15^th June. They will now go on to compete under the bright lights of the HOYS Arena at the NEC in Birmingham in early October.

The pair competed in and won the Working Horse class under top judges Michaela Bowling and Samantha DeCaprio to earn their HOYS qualification.

Grace said: “This is the only HOYS qualifier we have done together! My mum and I work full time but we both were off today so we decided to give it a go! My mum and I share Fern, as we call The Granite Way at home, and we all aim to go out and have fun and anything else is a bonus! It’s brilliant to have this opportunity! I’d moved away for university and work and not ridden for 10 years. Then mum and I decided to get back into the horses! Fern came from a family friend Sarah Gould, he is brilliant – my mum takes him to West Wales Riding Club every week too! I did Search for a Star when I was 12 back in 2009 with my Show Hunter Pony, Small Land Screen Play and we took 4th place. Having read the rules recently I realised I could now come back to give it another go!” Grace works as a Chartered Surveyor.

SEIB Search for a Star organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “Search for a Star is all about the journey and learning and improving over time. Our team of judges and stewards are all invested in providing support and encouragement to help competitors and their horses and ponies perform to the best level they can.”

SEIB Search for a Star first took place back in 1996 and over the years has provided thousands of opportunities for amateur riders to compete at HOYS.

Each of the SEIB Search for a Star qualifying shows offers opportunities for a full range of show horses to earn a place at the series championships at Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live.

Please see www.seib.co.uk/competitions or the SEIB Search for a Star facebook page for updates. To enter please visit www.seib.co.uk/competitions/schedule which will link directly to the Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse entry page on Showing Scene.

SEIB have been providing expert insurance services for over 60 years. Renowned for their specialist equestrian insurance, SEIB offers tailored cover for horses, horseboxes, trailers, riders, and equestrian businesses, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind. For more information on their range of services and to explore their bespoke insurance solutions, please visit seib.co.uk.

(Pic – 1st Class Images )