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Milford Haven Port: Hospitality income overtakes biggest energy terminal

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Tourism and hospitality generate more than any single energy customer, marking a historic economic shift for the UK’s leading energy port

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN — long known as Britain’s busiest energy gateway — has revealed that its hospitality and tourism businesses are now outperforming its largest energy customer.

For the first time in the Port’s history, income from hotels, restaurants, and visitor operations exceeded the revenue earned from its single biggest energy terminal, according to the Port’s 2024 Annual Report.

The milestone marks a strategic turning point in the commercial direction of the trust port, which has traditionally relied on oil and gas terminals such as Valero, Dragon LNG and South Hook.

Excellent results: Port boss Tom Sawyer has definitely got something to smile about

Chief Executive Tom Sawyer said that the shift demonstrates the value of diversification in a volatile global energy climate. “Hospitality and tourism generated more income for us in 2024 than the busiest of our energy terminal customers,” the report confirms. “This should be very reassuring to all our stakeholders as it underpins our ability to invest with greater confidence in our core port operations.”

Port invests in community and renewables

As a trust port, Milford Haven has no shareholders. All profits are reinvested locally — and in 2024, more than £500,000 was delivered in community grants, youth outreach, environmental work, and local development.

The Port posted £43.2 million in turnover, a 4.6% rise on the previous year. Operating profits rose by 65.9% to £6.8 million, and net profit after tax stood at £1.9 million, reversing a £1 million loss in 2023. Diversified revenue now accounts for 45% of total income, up from 39% the year before.

Green energy future for Pembrokeshire

Plans for new floating turbines in the Celtic Sea could provide enough power for more than 4 million homes

The year also saw the official opening of the Pembroke Dock Marine facility — a £60 million infrastructure project supported by the Swansea Bay City Deal, with visits from the Deputy Prime Minister, the Welsh First Minister and the Secretary of State for Wales.

With the emergence of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) as a regional growth sector, and new hydrogen projects launching from Pembroke Port, the Port of Milford Haven is positioning itself as a central hub in Wales’ clean energy transition.

Two green hydrogen firms — ERM and Haush — launched operations in 2024, with trials underway and a 15MW electrolyser planned for local supply and refuelling uses.

Coastal tourism rises — jobs follow

The Tŷ Hotel, Milford Waterfront

Meanwhile, Milford Waterfront is booming. The Tŷ Hotel, operated by The Celtic Collection, exceeded expectations for its second full year, while McDonald’s, Greggs, Costa, and other outlets created 130 jobs over the past two and a half years.

Milford Marina reached 100% occupancy, with a growing waiting list. The area hosted thousands at events such as the Round Table’s fireworks display and beer festival. One luxury cruise ship, Star Legend, even brought cyclists from North America on a bespoke “Tour de Pembrokeshire”.

A new play park, accessibility upgrades, and repurposing of historic dockside buildings are all planned in 2025.

Changing priorities — and opportunities

The Yasa Southern Cross, berthing at the Valero jetty, June 2025

While energy remains the Port’s core operation, the fact that hospitality and tourism are now more valuable than its top energy customer sends a strong message about the changing economy of coastal Pembrokeshire.

Dr Siân George, the Port’s new Chair and a veteran of the marine renewables sector, said the shift was both strategic and symbolic: “This Port is anchored in its community. The fact that our strongest individual revenue stream in 2024 came from local tourism, not global energy, shows that our strategy is not just working — it’s transformative.”

 

Business

Tudor Glen Caravan Park Pembrokeshire planning call

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A CALL for a Pembrokeshire caravan site to be allowed static caravans in lieu of touring ones, which the applicant says was allowed back in 1988, has been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Keith Stevens of Tudor Glen Caravan Park, Jameston, through agent Lambe Planning & Design Ltd, seeks a certificate of lawfulness of an existing use of the site to establish the status of a 1988 planning permission.

Essentially what that means is the applicant is seeking confirmation of details of that permission as to whether it includes static or touring caravans.

A supporting statement says: “Tudor Glen Caravan Park is a long-established family owned and operated Holiday Park. The Park extends to approximately six acres and caters for families within static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

“The Park is exceptionally well run and achieved the 2025 runner up award for Best Family Campsite South Wales. The Park has a range of modern purpose-built facilities including a heated swimming pool, laundrette, dedicated play area, games room and full amenity facilities.”

Covering the 1988 approval of removing two previous conditions connected to the site, granting permission for up to 50 caravans and occupancy of March 1 to January 9, it says: “It does not stipulate that the caravans must be removed from the site during the ‘close period’ as would be the case if the consent related to touring caravans,” adding: “It is therefore clear that the intentions of that planning application and the consent granted relates to the siting of up to 50 caravans and not specifically touring caravans.

“If that consent were to be partially restricted to touring, a touring condition would have been imposed and / or a condition requiring that the caravans must be removed from the site during a close period – it doesn’t.”

It concludes: “Whilst the park has been operated on the basis of providing both Static Caravan and Touring Caravan Pitches, [the 1988] Planning Approval clearly gives permission for any type of caravan which complies with the Legal Definition of a Caravan.

“That permission does not restrict the type of unit to either static or touring caravans and does not restrict the layout of the holiday park it is therefore concluded that [the 1988 permission] allows for the siting of any unit which complies with the legal definition of a caravan, and does not restrict the layout or location of the units.

“The applicant therefore seeks confirmation from the LPA to that effect via this Certificate of Lawful (proposed) Use application.”

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

 

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Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused

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A CALL for an extra sign advertising a Pembrokeshire holiday park, adding to exiting unauthorised ones, which planners say would create “visual clutter and intrusion” and a distraction to drivers, has been refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, permission was sought, through Lakeside Signs Limited, for an additional sign advertising Haven’s Lydstep Beach Village, near Tenby, the sign proposed for North Lodge where the holiday park joins the main road.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways authority raised no concerns regarding the specific location of the sign, but said “there remains a broader concern regarding the cumulative impact of signage along this section of highway,” adding: “The increasing proliferation of signs in this location has the potential to create a visually cluttered environment, which may distract drivers and, in turn, give rise to road safety implications.”

A Park officer report recommending refusal said: “Currently, there are eight flagpoles, one A-frame banner type sign, one pole mounted panel sign, and a further panel sign, located behind the stone wall on the western side of the park’s entrance. None of these advertisements have the benefit of advertisement consent.”

It added: “The increasing number of signs in this location has the potential to create a distraction to drivers, which may result in road safety implications. In addition, the proliferation of signage would create clutter that would result in visual intrusion in this countryside location affecting amenity. As such, the recommendation is to refuse.”

It went on to say: “Whilst it is not deemed that the proposed advertisement would result in harm being caused to the specific special qualities of this area, there are concerns that the display of this advertisement would, along with the remainder of the advertisements, which are unauthorised, result in a proliferation of advertisements, which in turn would cause visual clutter and intrusion.

“This is especially problematic in a countryside location where development is strictly controlled. Should the existing signage be consolidated and rationalised, the Authority may support the proposed sign, however, currently, any additional signage would not be deemed appropriate.”

The application was refused on the grounds that it would, along with the exiting signage, “result in visual clutter and intrusion which would detract from the visual amenity of this countryside location, and would result in potential distraction to drivers, which in turn would rise to road safety implications”.

 

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The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot

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SAUNDERSFOOT’S Coal Building interpretation centre could soon host the third store for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd, in plans before the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd seeks a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

While no supporting statement has yet been published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application says the scheme would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

It says the proposed site is currently a mixed-use retail and gift shop, having previously been used as office space.

It adds: “This is a space within a building that is still trading, the space we are wanting a change of use was last used by Persimmon Homes as an office space.”

Of the scheme itself it says it will involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.

If approved, the Saundersfoot site would be the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

After that store opened following redevelopment of Newport’s Victorian market, Craig Taylor, of The Cheesecake Guy, said: “We are very excited to be part of the new development in Newport Market alongside some other amazing small businesses.

“We feel this is definitely the next step in the right direction after our Merthyr Tydfil store taking off so well.”

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

The Saundersfoot proposal will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

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