PLANS to convert the Sunday School building of Haverfordwest’s former Wesleyan Chapel, once the site of a regular place for preaching by the founding father of Methodism, to six flats have been approved.

An application to council planners, Mr S Lavrinovics of Northampton, through agent Vitaly + Partners ltd, sought permission for the conversion of the Chapel Lane building.

Accompanying documents say Haverfordwest was a regular place of preaching for John Wesley, the founding father of Methodism, first visiting in 1763, with the first chapel built in 1772. By 1781 there were 60 members in the town, the largest congregation in the Pembrokeshire Circuit.

The chapel was rebuilt in 1818 and enlarged in 1835; the adjoining schoolroom built in 1874, with further chapel works in 1880-1.

The chapel closed in 1985, and the interior was stripped for use as an antiques showroom.

A heritage statement accompanying the application said: “The works on internal alternations of former school building started in 2014 after planning permission was approved. Then other records show that works has re-started in 2020. There are previous building inspector assessment notes available for more details. Since there has been numerous of owners and works started again in 2024.”

It added: “The main factor to support proposed development is in fact it was approved few times in the past. The works already began, and the original layout and external elements are already altered.

“The building was abandoned and not maintained in any way. It did not look pretty and had a negative impact on the residents of the town.  The building has had its original use adopted numerous of times to suit the needs of the particular time period and serve the town accordingly.

“The maintenance work to the building has already shown how much cleaner and more beautiful the building appearance became and it has had good impact on the residents who shared their views on social media talking positively about the renovation works on the building.”

The application was conditionally approved, an officer report saying the proposal, subject to conditions “will have a neutral impact on the character of the listed building”.

New reforms aim to cut red tape, empower devolved governments, and protect £129bn internal market

BUSINESSES across the UK’s four nations will benefit from updated trade rules aimed at making it easier to operate across borders, following reforms to the UK Internal Market Act announced on Monday (July 15).

The changes, brought forward ahead of schedule, are designed to remove unnecessary trade barriers, enhance collaboration between governments, and provide greater clarity for businesses. The move is part of the UK Government’s wider Plan for Change, which seeks to unlock investment, raise living standards, and drive long-term economic growth.

Responding directly to feedback from companies, the UK Government has completed a statutory review of the Internal Market Act, originally introduced to safeguard trade following the UK’s exit from the European Union. The revised approach places business needs at the centre while allowing devolved governments greater flexibility to legislate in line with local priorities.

The reforms aim to reduce red tape, simplify rule-making, and promote transparency. Where proposed regulatory changes have limited economic impact, they can now be fast-tracked through a streamlined process. Broader considerations — such as environmental protection and public health — will also now be factored in when assessing whether exceptions to internal market rules are appropriate.

The changes will support cooperation on shared rule-making across sectors like chemicals and pesticides, and help protect the UK’s internal market — worth over £129 billion in 2019, the equivalent of 6% of GDP. In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, trade with the rest of the UK accounts for around 60% of external sales.

Minister for Trade Policy, Douglas Alexander, said: “A thriving internal market is essential to the UK’s economic success, so we’ve listened to what businesses want — and we’re acting ahead of schedule.
These reforms will keep trade flowing, reduce friction, and unlock growth across all four nations. We’ve also worked closely with devolved governments to ensure they can deliver on their priorities.”

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “Trade between the nations of the UK is vital to the health of our overall economy and a key driver of growth.
This new streamlined approach to rulemaking will give businesses the certainty they need so they can grow, invest, and prosper.”

The announcement follows a public consultation launched in January 2025 and a statutory review in December 2024. Nearly 100 responses were received from businesses, academics, devolved governments, and environmental groups, informing the final set of reforms.

Popular venue set for refurbishment, job creation, and expanded community use

A MUCH-LOVED hotel in Burry Port is being transformed for the future, thanks to a commercial mortgage from NatWest Cymru and the efforts of two local entrepreneurs.

The Ashburnham Bar Grill & Hotel – known affectionately to locals as “The Ash” – has been welcoming guests for nearly 200 years. Now, under the ownership of Caroline and Chris Jones, the historic venue is set for major investment and growth.

The couple purchased the hotel earlier this year and have already begun a programme of refurbishment aimed at restoring the property while keeping its doors open to customers. Their plans include upgrading the facilities to host weddings, family celebrations and community events, with the ambition of creating up to 10 new jobs within the first year.

Strong local roots

Caroline and Chris bring over 25 years of business experience, having successfully run a mechanical garage nearby. Their hands-on approach is central to the restoration, with the couple personally involved in repainting, redecorating, and revitalising the hotel.

Located close to the historic harbour town of Burry Port and the tourism hotspot of Pembrey, The Ash is well placed to support the growing visitor economy in Carmarthenshire. It also serves as a vital hub for local clubs and community groups.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to run The Ash, a place with such rich history and significance to the community,” said Caroline, Co-owner and Director of The Ashburnham Hotel.

“Our goal is to make it a vibrant hub for tourists and locals alike – a place to stay, dine, and celebrate. In just a few months, we’ve already seen tremendous growth and may need to expand the team further. The support from NatWest has been invaluable in helping us achieve this vision.”

Backing local ambition

NatWest has supported the project with a commercial mortgage to facilitate the purchase and investment plans.

Huw Simpkins, Regional Relationship Manager at NatWest, said: “Supporting local businesses like The Ashburnham Hotel is central to what we do. Caroline and Chris’ dedication to their community and their vision for the hotel is inspiring. We’re proud to have played a part in helping them secure its future.”

With renovations under way, the new owners hope to increase capacity for weddings and larger functions while preserving the character and community role of the hotel.