A CALL to convert a former Haverfordwest launderette to housing to provide “a much-needed low-cost home” has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, through agent Mathew Hitches Architectural Services, a change of use of Hill Street Laundry, 19, Hill Street, in the town’s conservation area, to a dwelling was sought.

A supporting statement said: “The ground floor of the property was used as a launderette up until February 2024. The business is no longer operating, so the ground floor is currently a vacant unused space. The upper floor had renovation works carried out in 2009 and is used as a separate dwelling which shares an access with the former launderette.

“The launderette was running as a successful business and started trading mid-1990s. Sadly over the years the demand for the business decreased and became less profitable each year. With a combination of rising bills, outdated machinery and minimal profit, the decision was made to cease trading in February 2024, as the business was no longer considered viable.

“In October 2024 the property was advertised as a commercial unit available to rent. The property was listed by West Wales Home Rentals for several weeks. No interest was shown. In April 2025 the entire property, commercial ground floor and residential floors above, was placed on the market for sale by FBM. Again, very little interest was shown in the property so it was taken off the market in September 2025.

“The applicant has been actively advertising the property for sale or rent for the last 12 months. There are many adequate alternative employment / business sites throughout Haverfordwest and beyond. It would appear that the continued use as a business in this location is no longer viable.  As there is a high demand for low-cost housing it is felt that a proposed change of use from Class A1 (presumed) to C3(a), would be appropriate in this location.”

It finished: “The property is no longer viable as a business and is lying vacant. The proposal for a change of use to a dwelling will provide a much-needed low-cost home to the open market. Proposed minor alterations to the appearance of the building will have no detrimental effect on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

The application was conditionally approved by planning officers.

A WELSH GOVERNMENT planning inspector has dismissed appeals relating to unauthorised works at the Imperial Function Centre at Milford Haven’s Masonic Hall, upholding an enforcement notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The decision, issued on Monday (Dec 15), follows two linked appeals by the venue’s operator against the council. One appeal sought retrospective planning permission for engineering works to create an external dining area, while the second challenged an enforcement notice requiring alterations to the development.

Both appeals were dismissed.

The site, located on Hamilton Terrace, lies within the Milford Haven Conservation Area and adjoins the Grade II listed Masonic Hall building.

The development included the construction of a raised terrace fronted by a smooth rendered retaining wall with a glass balustrade above. Planning permission for an earlier scheme involving a sloping landscaped embankment and fencing had been granted in April 2021, but the approved design was later altered.

In his ruling, Inspector R H Duggan concluded that the retaining wall caused significant harm to the setting of the listed building and failed to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

He found that the wall was visually intrusive, projected forward of the established building line along Hamilton Terrace and detracted from the historic street scene.

While the inspector considered that the glass balustrade itself was not harmful in isolation, he ruled that it did not overcome the overall harm caused by the retaining wall.

The appeal was also dismissed on residential amenity grounds. The inspector found that parts of the terrace allowed direct overlooking into neighbouring properties, particularly No. 42 Hamilton Terrace, resulting in an unacceptable loss of privacy.

He concluded that this impact alone would have justified refusal, even if heritage concerns had not applied.

The second appeal, made against an enforcement notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council in June 2025, sought additional time to comply with the notice. The inspector ruled that the original compliance period of 90 days was reasonable and should stand.

As a result, the operator is now required to remove the rendered retaining wall and glass balustrade, reinstate a sloping earth bank with turf, reposition sections of the balustrade and install a close-boarded fence along part of the boundary.

The inspector acknowledged that the development offered economic and social benefits, including improved accessibility and outdoor facilities, but concluded that these were outweighed by the harm identified.

Pembrokeshire County Council has responsibility for monitoring compliance with the enforcement notice.

Pembroke Hire Centre at busy Waterloo roundabout marketed with offers around £525,000, with lease option also available

A WELL-KNOWN commercial premises at one of Pembroke Dock’s busiest junctions has been placed on the market, with offers invited in the region of £525,000.

The Pembroke Hire Centre, located at the Waterloo roundabout, is being marketed by Guy Thomas & Co, who say the freehold opportunity offers a long-established business with a consistent trading history and strong local profile.

The site sits on a prominent roadside position used by thousands of vehicles every day, giving it high visibility and easy access. Estate agents say the business has remained stable over a number of years, operating with relatively low staffing requirements.

Trading is currently split between equipment hire, which accounts for around 60% of turnover, retail sales at approximately 35%, and repair work making up the remainder. The listing notes that at least one competitor in the area has ceased trading in recent times.

The purpose-built premises extend to more than 1,800 sq ft and include a customer-facing shop, offices, storage areas and a large workshop. The main shop features a full-width display window and front entrance, while additional areas include offices and stores, a substantial workshop, a garage with roller shutter access, staff facilities and multiple storage rooms.

Externally, the property benefits from a secure, concrete-surfaced yard with palisade fencing, a designated gas storage compound and customer parking to the front.

The building is served by mains utilities and is fitted with gas-fired central heating via a Worcester boiler, along with a security alarm and fibre broadband connection, although services have not been formally tested.

In addition to the property itself, the business stock is valued at approximately £225,000. This includes around £45,000 of new retail tools and an estimated £180,000 worth of hire equipment. A full stock valuation will be carried out at the point of sale.

The guide price of around £525,000 covers the freehold property, goodwill, trade fixtures and fittings, and stock. However, Guy Thomas & Co also indicate that a leasehold option may be available.

Under this alternative arrangement, the premises could be offered on a ten-year full repairing and insuring lease at an initial rent of £20,000 per year, with offers around £350,000 sought for the business, goodwill and stock. An option to purchase the freehold would also be included.

A schedule of adjusted trading accounts can be made available to financial advisers acting for genuinely interested parties, subject to an initial viewing of the premises.

Further details and viewing arrangements are available through Guy Thomas & Co.