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Pembrokeshire reservoir Llys y Fran homes scheme approved

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A CALL to allow 1970s-approved holiday lets near a Pembrokeshire reservoir beauty spot to become permanent homes, as no condition preventing that change was imposed, has now been approved.

In a certificate of lawfulness application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mark Rees, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, sought permission for a change of use of two short-term holiday lets, Lake and Swallows, at Ivy Court Holiday Cottages, Llys Y Fran, to permanent/sole residence dwellings.

An application for a certificate of lawfulness is normally used to allow an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of use over a prolonged period.

A supporting statement said: “The application properties consist of a pair of semi-detached units, used as holiday accommodation. There are no planning conditions limiting occupation and therefore it is contended that the use of the dwellings as permanent units of accommodation would be lawful.”

It said two planning permissions dating back to the late 1970s relate to the site; conversion of existing outbuildings to pottery and showroom, guest wing and four cottages, and holiday cottages and pottery showroom.

It added: “Both planning permissions included other elements of work throughout the site, some of which does not appear to have been implemented, including the conversion and alteration of the adjoining single storey element and the conversion of Lake and Swallows, largely as they currently exist.

“Importantly, neither of the planning permissions discussed above include conditions limiting the occupation of the dwellings to holiday unist and no other planning permissions relating to the properties have come to light.”

It concluded: “Based on the evidence available, it appears that the accommodation has lawfully used for short term holiday use, use class C6, and that there is no limitation as to how the properties can be used. As such it would appear that changing from Use Class C6 to Use Class C3 would also be lawful.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “Planning permission was granted in 1978 for the conversion of outbuildings within the site complex for use as holiday cottages. The outbuildings subject of this application have been converted and are in use as holiday lets which is evidenced by the supporting planning statement and through a search of the business website.”

It added: “The building subject of this application was granted planning permission for use a holiday accommodation and no conditions were imposed to restrict the use. As such, planning permission for use of the two cottages as full-time residential use would not require a further planning application.”

A certificate of lawfulness for the change of use was issued by planners.

 

Business

New facilities at Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club agreed

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A CALL by a Pembrokeshire shooting club for more disability-friendly facilities has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club, through agent Andrew Sutton Architecture, sought permission for an extension to existing target shooting club building at The Firing Range, Withybush Road, Haverfordwest to improve accessibility and internal facilities, together with associated landscaping works.

A supporting statement said: “The club’s own published history states it was founded in 1968, moved from the Drill Hall to the old wartime airfield butts at Withybush by the early 1970s, and had developed facilities over time, including the clubhouse by 1999. The established leisure/community use has existed on the site for a number of years and the proposal does not seek to intensify the core activity beyond that already authorised/established.”

It added: “The primary objective of the scheme is to improve inclusive access to the club’s facilities for disabled users and those with reduced mobility. The internal arrangement will provide adequate entrance and lobby space, clear accessible routes and appropriately designed sanitary accommodation, including an accessible wetroom/shower and separate WC.”

It also said accessible parking and surfacing designed to provide a firm, even, slip-resistant route from parking to the principal entrance.

It added: “The Equality Act 2010 places duties on service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that people with additional access needs are not placed at a substantial disadvantage.

“The proposal is therefore a positive enhancement to a community/leisure facility and supports wider policy objectives for inclusive environments.”

It went on to say: “The club operates within a highly controlled environment, and the proposed works will maintain and enhance safety and security measures.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

 

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Business

St Davids GP surgery plans lodged with national park

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PLANS to convert a former GP surgery in Pembrokeshire’s only city to a home and holiday let have been lodged with the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Alice and Danjal Joensen, through agent Oochitecture, seek permission for a change of use of the ground floor of the former GP surgery, Eryl Mor, 36, New Street, St Davids, merging with the existing first-floor apartment to create a larger single dwelling house, along with the creation of an attached short-term holiday let.

The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured.

A supporting statement says, prior to being a GP surgery, the two storey element was a single dwelling house.

It adds: “The house would consist of an open plan kitchen-living space to the ground floor, along with a study, lounge and utility room. The first floor includes four double bedrooms with ensuite and main bathroom.

“The new unit of accommodation would form a holiday-let with two double bedrooms, shower room, and an open plan kitchen-living space.

“The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured, therefore the proposed change of use will provide a viable long-term future use for the property.”

It says minimal external alterations are proposed to the property with existing entrances utilised for both the main house and holiday-let, adding: “The existing concrete ramp to the front elevation will be retained with proposed works including extending the upper level and steps to provide a connection to the front door, allowing for accessible entrance to the property.

“There will be no changes to vehicular or pedestrian access, with the site continuing to be accessed via the existing entrance from New Street. Parking will be provided for the main house and holiday-let on the existing tarmac driveway off New Street.”

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

 

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Business

Cardigan bakery named among best in UK

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A CARDIGAN bakehouse has been named among the best bakeries in the UK as interest in “bakery tourism” continues to rise.

Bara Menyn, a small family-run bakehouse tucked away in a side street in Cardigan, has been highlighted by travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk as one of the bakeries worth making a trip for.

The name Bara Menyn means “bread and butter” in Welsh, and the bakery has built a reputation for imaginative bakes, pizzas and seasonal produce.

Laura Kerslake, regional expert for Wales, said: “Bara Menyn is how you say ‘bread and butter’ in Welsh and the name of the small family bakehouse that is hidden down a side street in Cardigan, West Wales.

“It’s open three days a week so that the owners can fit the bakehouse around family life and their careers as artists.

“The family’s artistic flair can be seen in all the imaginative fillings and toppings on the bakes and pizzas served, which are also made using local, seasonal produce.”

The listing comes as the UK sees growing interest in independent bakeries, with spending on bakery goods reported to have risen by six per cent from 2025 to 2026.

Research also suggests that many people are now willing to travel for regional food experiences, from traditional cakes to artisan bread and pastries.

Two other Welsh bakeries were also highlighted: Little Valley Bakery, which has sites in Mumbles and Brynmill, and was recently named in the Good Food Guide’s 50 Best Bakeries 2026; and another Welsh entry included in the travel company’s wider list.

For Cardigan, the recognition adds to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for independent food, drink and creative businesses.

 

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