Business

Serenity Gardens wedding venue ordered to close after losing planning battle

Published

3 months ago

August 21, 2025

A POPULAR wedding venue near Tenby has been ordered to close after losing a major planning appeal, leaving couples facing uncertainty and financial loss.

Serenity Gardens, also known as Redberth Gardens, has been operating as a wedding and events site with tipis, gazebos, decking and other permanent structures. Pembrokeshire County Council issued an enforcement notice last year, arguing that the business was running without the correct planning permission and had caused harm to the countryside and nearby protected habitats.

Owners Rhys Owain Lloyd and Carys Elin Mair Davies challenged the notice and also sought retrospective planning permission to retain the venue. However, a Welsh Government inspector dismissed both appeals on March 20, 2025.

The ruling means the venue must permanently cease hosting weddings and events and remove all associated structures – including tipis, a gazebo, toilet block, car park, decking and fencing – within six months.

The inspector accepted that Serenity Gardens brought economic benefits and provided a high-quality venue but found these did not outweigh the harm to the open rural landscape and the potential impact on the nearby Wyndrush Pastures Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Couples affected

The decision has left couples who had booked weddings at the site worried about their big day. On social media, some reported struggling to get clarity on refunds or alternative arrangements.

Lauren Jenkins, who had booked Serenity Gardens for her wedding, told The Herald: “I only found out through a Facebook group that Serenity Gardens had lost its planning appeal. Other brides are already trying to get their money back, and it has been really stressful for everyone. When we viewed in April, we were told everything was in hand.”

The Herald understands that several couples are now considering legal steps to recover deposits and payments worth thousands of pounds.

Owner’s response

Speaking to The Herald, owner Rhys Lloyd said the business was continuing to operate while the case progressed further through the appeals process.

“We were disappointed by the Inspector’s decision,” he said. “However, it is important to note that of the six elements of our original application that were refused, four have since been overturned by the Welsh Government. We are currently appealing the remaining two elements.”

Asked whether weddings would still take place during the compliance period, he added: “Yes, events are continuing. We have a limited number of weddings booked and are in direct communication with all our couples to ensure they are fully informed and supported throughout this process.”

Rumours on social media suggested structures had been sold or removed from the site. Mr Lloyd rejected this, telling The Herald: “No structures have been sold off from Serenity Gardens. Some nearby cottages have been sold by their individual owners, but these have never been part of our business. All existing wedding packages remain unchanged.”

He also criticised the role of the local authority. “We have had minimal engagement from the council, which has been disappointing. From the beginning, we have found them largely uncooperative, despite the enormous impact tourism and leisure businesses have faced in the past 18 months. While they refused parts of our application, the Welsh Government has already overturned several of those decisions.”

In a message to couples and the wider community, Mr Lloyd added: “Stories like these can cause unnecessary distress for brides, grooms, suppliers and staff. We have invested everything into the venue and are working tirelessly to secure its future through the appeals process. We want to thank all the couples who have stood by us and the local and national suppliers who continue to support us.”

Background

The row over Serenity Gardens stretches back more than a year. In April 2024, Pembrokeshire County Council refused retrospective planning permission for the tipi wedding venue at Redberth Gardens. Despite that refusal, weddings went ahead at the site in May and June 2024. At the time, The Herald reported that Mr Lloyd and Ms Davies were advertising ceremonies and events without the necessary approvals.

The council confirmed last summer that the venue was not licensed for legal marriage ceremonies, meaning any weddings were “non-legal” and conducted by independent celebrants. Officials also warned they were considering formal enforcement action. That action came the following month, with the enforcement notice issued in July 2024.

A separate application to use a holiday cottage at the site for occasional weddings was refused on October 10, 2024, with planners citing concerns over its location “not within or immediately adjoining a settlement” and the lack of any justification for a countryside venue.

The appeals process has now ended in defeat for the owners, with the Welsh Government upholding the council’s case in March 2025.

What happens next

The enforcement notice gives the owners until September 2025 to comply. Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that if the requirements are not met, the case could be escalated to the High Court.

Business

Haverfordwest opticians shortlisted for honours at Optometry Wales Awards

Published

3 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST opticians has been recognised as one of Wales’ leading optical practices after being shortlisted for eight awards at the Optometry Wales Awards 2025.

Specsavers Haverfordwest, which is locally owned and run, is a finalist across categories including Multiple Practice of the Year, Technology Practice of the Year and Collaborative Working. These nominations reflect its commitment to delivering outstanding service, patient experience and innovation.

The store has also been shortlisted for Sustainability Practice of the Year, following its gold award in the Greener Primary Care Wales Framework and Award Scheme last year, which recognised its dedication to reducing its environmental impact.

‘We’re thrilled to be recognised in so many categories this year,’ says Wayne Jones, retail director at Specsavers Haverfordwest.

‘It’s a testament to the hard work of our entire team and the care we deliver every day to people across Pembrokeshire. Being finalists in eight different categories really shows the breadth of our expertise – from clinical leadership to customer service – and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved together.’

Several of the store’s employees have also been individually shortlisted:

Andy Britton, specialist optometrist and ophthalmic director – Optometrist of the Year
Chris Rosser, optical assistant – Optical Assistant of the Year
Samantha Houghton, contact lens optician – Contact Lens Optician of the Year
Alex O’Brien, dispensing technician – Rising Star

In 2023, director Andy Britton was awarded a medal by Specsavers founders Doug and Mary Perkins in recognition of his clinical excellence.

Mr Britton says: ‘It’s fantastic to be shortlisted for Optometrist of the Year, but what makes me most proud is seeing so many of my colleagues recognised too. This is a reflection of the dedication, innovation and care shown across our whole team.’

The winners will be announced at the Optometry Wales Awards ceremony in Cardiff on 29 November.

Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

Business

Festive fun as Milford Haven Christmas market returns to the waterfront

Published

23 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Traders, lights and family entertainment to kick off Pembrokeshire’s Christmas season

THE FESTIVE spirit is coming to life in Milford Haven with markets, lights and family fun as the town gears up for a packed Christmas programme along the waterfront.

Milford Waterfront is preparing for a busy season of events, starting with an indoor Christmas market in the Link Building from November 21 to 23, featuring handcrafted local gifts and festive treats.

Lucy Wonnacott, head of communications and marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Every year the berth holder community, Milford Waterfront businesses and residents all get involved in making the whole place sparkle, so we encourage people to come and see their efforts and enjoy the lights, soak up the festive cheer, and visit the amazing businesses around Milford Waterfront.

“We’re delighted to host so many activities this festive season to support the independent business community here. There will definitely be something for everyone, and new to Milford Waterfront this year, the indoor Ice Rink at Sybil House will be very special – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone getting their skates on.”

The festive programme includes Santa by the Sea on December 6, when Father Christmas will arrive by RNLI lifeboat before heading to Milford Haven Town Hall for the town’s official Christmas lights switch-on.

The event, running from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, will feature live music, entertainment, face-painting and family activities.

Young artists aged three to twelve can take part in print-your-own Christmas card workshops at the Waterfront Gallery on November 22, 29 and 30. The sessions are free but must be booked in advance by calling 07949 763100.

From December 12 to 14, visitors can enjoy an indoor ice-skating experience at Sybil House, next to Phoenix Bowl. The synthetic rink will be open from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and is suitable for all ages.

The festive fun continues with Pure West Radio’s Purely Magical Christmas Grotto in the Link Building on December 7, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Tickets must be booked in advance and include a visit with Santa and his elves, professional photography, chocolate gifts and more.

Throughout December, the waterfront will be illuminated by the annual Christmas Lights Competition, organised by Milford Waterfront, Milford Marina and Visit Milford Haven. The contest features decorated shopfronts, balconies and boats, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere across the area.

Visitors are encouraged to make the most of the season by staying overnight at the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, overlooking the marina, to enjoy the full Christmas experience.

More information about this year’s programme of events is available on the Milford Waterfront website.

Business

Letterston Village Stores on the market after 50 years of family ownership

Published

2 days ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A WELL-KNOWN family-run village shop in North Pembrokeshire has been put up for sale after more than half a century of ownership.

Letterston Village Stores has been instructed for sale through specialist business property adviser Christie & Co, with a freehold asking price of £465,000.

The popular store was built in 1974 and has been run by brother and sister duo Gerwyn Howells and Marilyn Griffiths for the past 20 years. The pair have now decided to retire.

The detached property includes a spacious sales area with scope to expand the business by introducing new product lines, as well as a large three-bedroom apartment above the shop, which could be used as owners’ accommodation or rented out for additional income.

Marilyn Griffiths said: “I have really enjoyed running the store. Our customers are fantastic, and I have made many friends over the years. It was a very hard decision to sell, but the time has come to think about the future and retirement plans. I have instructed Matthew McFarlane from Christie & Co to manage the sale process for me.”

Matthew McFarlane, Business Agent at Christie & Co, added: “We are delighted to have been instructed to sell this business by Marilyn and Gerwyn. It has been in the family for over 50 years and offers an exciting opportunity for either a first-time business owner or a multi-operator.”

The property is available freehold at £465,000.
For more information, visit: www.christie.com/3410544