PLANS for an adventure tourism hub in north Pembrokeshire, ruled by a high court judge to have been granted unlawfully following a legal challenge, expected to be reheard this year, have now been withdrawn.

Back in 2024, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee approved an application by Adventure Beyond Ltd for an outdoor adventure centre, and associated works at The Old Bus Depot, Moylegrove.

The application had been before multiple meetings of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee; the plot originally used as a bus depot by the founder of the Richards Bros bus company.

Concerns were raised about the scheme, including by local community council Nevern, and opponents feared that increased business for adventure firms will worsen the plight of birds and animals including seals.

Following that approval, a high court challenge was brought by Wild Justice, who claimed the scheme would see nesting birds and breeding seals disturbed by ‘noisy’ coasteers.

But Jet Moore, of Adventure Beyond, insisted that the company had been ‘key’ in developing codes of conduct to ensure wildlife safety.

In September Hon Mr Justice Eyre ruled the National Park Authority’s decision was unlawful as a position statement and 2024 survey of breeding birds published by Natural Resources Wales had not been made available beforehand.

The judge also agreed that the management committee had not been properly informed about the impact of the development on the Aberath-Carreg Wylan SSSI, including the potential for coasteering activities to disturb the chough, for which the SSSI is designated.

On that basis planning permission was quashed and the application will need to be re-determined if the development is to go ahead.

Ceibwr Bay forms part of the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC, the West Wales Marine SAC and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is home to nesting razorbill, guillemot, fulmar, herring gull, chough and kestrel.

Nearby sea caves are recognised pupping areas for grey seals and otters frequent the bay.

Wild Justice argued that an adventure centre would increase recreational activity, such as coasteering and kayaking.

Giving his reaction, Mr Moore claimed objectors had ‘caused more disturbance [to nesting birds] than we ever have’.

At the October meeting of the national park’s development management committee, members heard resubmitted plans were expected.

The national park has now confirmed the resubmitted application has now been withdrawn by the applicant.

“As a result of this withdrawal, the Authority will take no further action on the application, and it will not proceed to determination. The case file will be updated accordingly, and the application will not be considered by the Development Management Committee.

“The applicant has indicated that they may choose to submit a new or alternative application for the site in the future, which would incorporate the existing building.

“Any such submission would be treated as a separate application and would be processed in the normal way. If a new application is received, relevant parties will be notified and given the opportunity to comment.”

A CALL to convert a financially unviable disused shop on the edge of Crymych to residential accommodation, which could provide a low-cost home, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Clare Griffiths, through agent Josh Macrae, seeks a change of use of a disused shop with ancillary accommodation above, at Ty Ebrill, Clares Shop, on the edge of the village, to an ancillary accommodation unit.

A supporting statement says: “Siop Clare is a mixed-use building in the curtilage of the main dwelling on the site, Ty Ebril, it comprises a small flat above a disused shop below. The flat, constructed in 2007, is comprised of a single modestly sized living space and bedroom area, with a bathroom; the flat is accessed by a set of stairs to the rear of the building. Since its construction the flat has been used as ancillary accommodation for family members of the owners of Ty Ebrill.

“The disused retail premises below is comprised of an open plan shop area with a conservatory attached, the conservatory was previously used as a flower preparation area.

“The shop was in use for a number of decades; it was operated by the current owner since 2003 and was previously an antiques shop, but has been disused since it was closed 2019 as it was no longer financially viable and the owner had changed career. Due to the shop being located within the curtilage of the main dwelling it has not considered suitable for the shop to be leased to another party.”

It adds: “The change of use will require a minimal amount of work to covert the disused shop and modestly sized flat into a small dwelling. The dwelling would be suitable for single occupancy, a small household, or as continued ancillary accommodation for the main dwelling, this would create the opportunity for multi-generational living on the site should the owner sell Ty Ebrill.

“As there is a high demand for housing in the Pembrokeshire area it is felt that the proposal would be suitable and would allow the building to become a viable dwelling, creating a potentially low-cost home in the area.”

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

OFFICIAL planning for the signage associated with the new Animal store in Tenby has been given the go-ahead despite concerns raised by the local civic society it ‘grated’ with the Victorian and Georgian character of Tudor Square.

Animal Tenby opened its doors in late November at the Grade-II-listed Tudor House, Tudor Square, which has more recently been used as a café.

Several cafés had run at the site including Oakley’s, Caffi Llyw and most recently, Henry’s.

The new Animal store sells outdoor wear, ski gear, beachwear and robes and kids’, women’s and men’s clothes.

Animal is part of the Mountain Group which incorporates Mountain Warehouse and Eastern Mountain Sports.

The Tenby Animal store was the tenth stand-alone Animal store in the UK.

A November-registered planning application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, by Holden Signs Ltd on behalf of Animal, covering the store’s signage was approved by park officers under delegated powers yesterday, January 19.

The proposals were supported by Tenby Town Council but Tenby civic Society, while not formally objecting, had raised concerns.

“The new sign lettering is of suitable size and the fascia setting proposed is fine. The Animal house logo-style lettering grates with the Victorian and Georgian character of Tudor Square and the conservation area. We note that nearby proposed Tesco signage was amended to maintain the character of the conservation area, and we feel the logo lettering does not enhance the character of the conservation area.

“It is a brand logo so a check whether they have amended it to fit in other conservation areas is a relevant consideration to put to the applicant.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “Tenby Civic Society whilst having no objection in principle has expressed concern as to the font style.

“Whilst a distinctive and modern font, it is not considered that the character or appearance of Tenby Conservation Area is negatively affected. The impact on amenity is considered negligible.”