A SECOND call to keep a ‘funky’ holiday lodge in woods near a Pembrokeshire village, previously turned down partly over a dispute on what constitutes a caravan, has been refused again.

In an application refused by Pembrokeshire County Council planners in June, Greg Baker, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought retrospective permission for the creation of a second tourism unit with a bespoke fixed holiday lodge/hot tub with parking area at Cabin in The Woods, near Woodcocks House, Carmarthen Road, Kilgetty.

Work started on the scheme in April 2023.

A supporting statement through Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said: “The current application presents a scheme to provide a second bespoke holiday unit on land in our client’s ownership. The application for a second holiday let unit is in response to demand for more ‘funky’ holiday accommodation in Pembrokeshire and the popularity of the Kilgetty area, it being central to many visitor attractions in the county.”

It said a previous 1998 application, Woodberry Cottage, has operated as a holiday let for a number of years, adding: “This remains the case and as such, the proposal is still intended to extend and complement the existing holiday letting business on the site.”

The application was refused by county planners on the grounds the scheme “is for self-catering accommodation in the form of a cabin, on the basis of information submitted with the application, this is considered to be a caravan rather than built development, as there is no robust information to demonstrate that it is permanently fixed to the ground”.

It was also refused on the grounds of being in a countryside location outside of any defined settlement boundary.

Since then, a fresh application aimed at addressing the reasons for refusal was submitted, saying works had been carried out making the lodge a fixed structure.

“Our clients have provided further information to support the claim that the holiday lodge is indeed fixed to the ground and not moveable and with the fixed decking it also clearly goes over the maximum size of a caravan,” the statement said.

It also said the development was an extension to an existing holiday business rather than one in the open countryside.

An officer report, recommending refusal, said the authority was “of the opinion that the chassis on which the cabin is built is still only bolted to the timber plates attached to the metal poles and therefore could potentially be unbolted to enable the removal of the cabin.”

It was again refused on the basis it “is considered to be a caravan rather than built development, as there is no robust information to demonstrate that it is permanently fixed to the ground,” and “The application site is located in a countryside location outside of any defined settlement boundary.”

A SOCIAL-MEDIA post by the clerk of Neyland Town Council has sparked concern over professionalism and conduct within the authority, as tribunal hearings arising from complaints against several Neyland councillors are due to take place early next year.

Clerk Libby Matthews posted publicly on Friday (Dec 5): “F*** you, see you at your tribunals in January lads,” accompanied by the hashtag “if you know you know”. The remark appeared to refer to Local Government Ombudsman tribunal hearings scheduled for the new year.

The Herald understands that the January hearings relate to complaints lodged against a number of Neyland councillors, which have progressed through the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and are now due to be considered by a tribunal panel.

The latest post adds to a period of turbulence for Neyland Town Council, which has experienced persistent internal disputes, a high volume of conduct complaints, resignations and repeated public disagreements over the past two years. Earlier Herald reports have detailed strained relations between the clerk and several councillors, with both sides accusing the other of inappropriate behaviour.

Concerns about Ms Matthews’ public engagement intensified this autumn when she accused a Herald journalist of “bullying” after receiving a routine request for comment. The request, sent at 00:41 on 6 October, sought clarification on material already in the public domain. At 08:55, Ms Matthews replied stating that she felt “harassed” and asked to be left alone. The Herald published its story only after the right of reply had been declined.

Later that day, Neyland Town Council issued a corporate statement claiming the newspaper’s coverage was “targeted” and “bullying”. No evidence was provided, and no clarification has been offered since. In response, the Herald’s Editor lodged a formal complaint with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales on 8 October, arguing that both the council’s statement and the clerk’s public comments were unsupported and potentially damaging to press freedom.

In his complaint, the Editor suggested the council’s handling of the matter was inconsistent with expected standards of respect, integrity and openness, and described a pattern in which legitimate questions were sometimes met with personal allegations rather than substantive responses. The Ombudsman is considering the complaint.

The tribunal proceedings are expected to begin in January. The Herald will continue to report developments.

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council, in partnership with the Henry Tudor Trust, has secured a £249,813 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the creation of the new Henry Tudor Centre at South Quay, Pembroke.

The Centre will bring to life the largely untold story of Henry Tudor – the son of Pembroke who carried the Welsh language to the English court and ultimately claimed the greatest prize of all: the crowns of Wales and England. His victory in 1485 established the Tudor dynasty, one of the most influential in British history.

The new attraction will explore Henry’s Welsh heritage, his formative years in Pembroke, and his lasting impact on the national story, Welsh identity and wider British culture.

Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help develop the Centre ahead of its opening in Spring 2027. The grant will also support a one-year Community Programme Coordinator role to deliver an events programme, establish a volunteering scheme, and create educational resources for local schools.

The Henry Tudor Centre forms part of the wider regeneration of South Quay, which also includes a new library, community café, and an integrated healthcare, social services and supported employment hub in the adjoining buildings.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, these prominent listed buildings beside the magnificent Pembroke Castle have been rescued from dereliction and given a new purpose. The new centre will celebrate Henry Tudor’s deep connection to Pembroke and will be a major draw for visitors. It is a key element of our wider regeneration of Pembroke town centre.”

Andrew White, Director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re proud to support Pembrokeshire County Council and the Henry Tudor Trust in bringing the story of Henry Tudor to life. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will not only shine a light on Wales’ rich heritage and cultural identity, but also create a vibrant hub for learning, volunteering and community engagement in the heart of Pembroke.”