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Business

Pembroke Dock business units to stay empty until end of year

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A CALL for new industrial units on land near the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offices has been given the go-ahead, but they can’t be occupied until the end of the year.

In an application submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council, Sean Lavelle, through agent Stewart Longhurst, sought permission for five industrial units on land north of Richmond Road, West Llanion Industrial Estate, Pembroke Dock.

A supporting statement said: “Planning permission was granted [in 2021] for the erection of two light industrial/business units (B1 use) in outline, with only landscaping being a reserved matter,” adding: “The outline application was approved on November 8, 2021 for two blocks of light industrial units (B1 uses).  Block 1 was a two-storey building with ground floor workshops, with offices etc on the first floor.  Block 2 was for a single storey building which housed two workshops.

“The current application seeks permission for a smaller scale development, still of two blocks, but of single storey construction throughout.

“It is considered that there is more market demand for the erection of single-storey units to support smaller enterprises than envisaged under the original scheme.  Similarly, it is contended that this proposal would have less impact on the conservation area and would enhance this part of the industrial estate.”

It added: “It is respectfully considered that the scheme reflects and enhances the existing industrial units close to the site and attempts to blend in with the red brick office buildings of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

It went on to say: “The proposed units will be built to high specifications to ensure that the development reflects the conservation area setting and to promote environmental sustainability.”

The application was supported by Pembroke Dock Town council, which said it welcomed new business opportunities in the town.

Welsh Water Dwr Cymru raised no objections, but proposed a condition on any approval be added.

“The proposed development would drain to Pembroke Dock Waste water Treatment Works which is currently failing to comply with the 95 per cent quartile for its flow passed forward (FPF) performance.

“However, a scheme is planned for completion by December 31, 2026. No buildings on the application site shall be brought into beneficial use earlier than December 31, 2026, unless the scheme at the Waste Water Treatment Works, into which the development shall drain, has been completed and written confirmation of this has been issued by the local planning authority.”

The application was conditionally approved, conditions including the December 31 timescale outlined above.

 

Business

Cwm Arian seeks Assets and Operations Coordinator in North Pembrokeshire

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CWM ARIAN is looking for a practical, organised Assets and Operations Coordinator to join their team in West Wales. 

This permanent role is for two days a week and sits at the heart of the organisation’s green energy and community land projects.

The coordinator will look after the day-to-day running, safety, and admin for Cwm Arian’s shared spaces and equipment – including the community wind turbine in Llanfyrnach, six acres of land in Tegryn, and eco-buildings in Hermon. 

These assets are the foundation of the group’s income and environmental work. The role involves checking health and safety compliance, managing maintenance, and acting as the main point of contact for local landlords, contractors, and team members.

The ideal candidate will have experience with health and safety, a good technical understanding of tools or buildings, and great people skills. Spoken or written Welsh language skills are also highly desirable.

The work is based in North Pembrokeshire, combining regular travel between local sites with time at the shared office in Crymych.

The deadline for applications is June 14, 2026, with interviews happening on July 1, 2026. To find out more or to apply, email [email protected] please visit their website: https://www.cwmarian.org.uk/jobs 

 

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Cambrian Hotel restoration to breathe new life into Aberystwyth landmark

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Historic building will be brought back into use with support from Welsh Government town centre funding

A HISTORIC Aberystwyth hotel is set to be restored and brought back into wider use as part of a major town centre regeneration scheme.

The Cambrian Hotel, on the corner of Alexandra Road and Union Street, opposite Aberystwyth railway station, is one of the latest projects to benefit from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme.

The funding is being delivered through the Growing Mid Wales Partnership, with Ceredigion County Council working alongside Powys County Council to support regeneration in key towns across the region.

Aberystwyth is one of six priority towns in Ceredigion included in the programme, along with Aberaeron, Cardigan, Lampeter, Llandysul and Tregaron.

The Cambrian Hotel dates back to before 1867 and originally operated as a coaching inn. It has also been known historically as the Commercial Inn and the Commercial Vaults.

Although the building is not statutorily listed, it lies within the Aberystwyth Town Conservation Area and is recognised for its local architectural and cultural importance.

Its distinctive features include a half-timbered frontage, decorative roof details, traditional sash and casement windows, and surviving internal period features such as joinery and coved ceilings.

In recent years, the upper floors of the building have fallen out of use as traditional hotel accommodation became less viable. The business has continued to operate as a ground-floor bar and restaurant.

The Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant will now support the restoration and conversion of the vacant upper floors into high-quality, self-contained accommodation units.

The work will be carried out sensitively, with original features repaired and retained where possible, alongside modern improvements to comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Planned improvements include insulation to external walls and roof areas, upgrades to sash windows using discreet sealing systems, roof-mounted solar panels, and secure cycle storage in line with Welsh Government active travel guidance.

Council officials say the scheme will improve the appearance of a key gateway into Aberystwyth, support the local visitor economy, and help secure a sustainable future for an important historic building.

Paul Davies, Senior Architectural Technician at DB3 Architecture, and owner Jayne Fisher said: “This would not have been possible without the support provided through the Transforming Towns Programme.

“Through the scheme’s support, it was possible to deliver the work to a high standard using local craftsmen who applied their skills to carry out a range of sensitive repair works, which is something the building deserved.”

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Carbon Management, said the project showed how the programme could help bring historic buildings back into meaningful use.

He said: “Investment through the Transforming Towns Programme is playing a vital role in strengthening our town centres, and the regeneration of the Cambrian Hotel is a prime example of how this funding can bring historic buildings back into meaningful use.

“This project will safeguard a key landmark, provide high-quality accommodation, and support the local visitor economy.

“I would encourage other businesses and property owners to explore the opportunities available through the programme.”

Further information about the Transforming Towns Grant Programme is available by emailing [email protected].

 

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Business

Go-ahead for gym and cafe at Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal

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PLANS for a gymnasium and café occupying the majority of Pembroke Dock’s ferry terminal building have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Lee Brookes of Westside Fitness Ltd, through agent William Beynon, sought permission for a change of use of part of the existing ferry terminal building, Pembroke Dock to a gymnasium and café.

A supporting statement dealing with a flood consequence assessment, by Francis Saint Ltd, said: “It is proposed to convert part of the existing Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal Building (75 per cent) into a Gymnasium and café area while retaining the remainder of the building for its current use (25 per cent).”

It added: “The building, however, lies in a Zone 3 flood area, as shown on the Flood Maps For Planning, and shown to be potentially at risk of tidal flooding during a one-in-200-year event, with 100 years of climate change. Francis Sant were, therefore, asked to undertake a Flood Consequence Assessment to evaluate the risk. Even with 100 years of climate change the site is not at risk of flooding from a river or from surface water, during a 1-in-1000-year event.

“In addition, the site is also not expected to be at risk from reservoir failure and the risk of ground water flooding is considered to be low.”

It went on to say: “Located within the Haven, the site is protected from the more severe wave action. In addition, the plateaux to the north of the site would provide additional protection causing the waves to break onto the plateaux before reaching the building. Any water or spray reaching the building or the surrounding area is likely to flow back into the Haven posing a minimal risk to the development.

“As the building already exists there will be no loss of flood storage capacity, even if the building was at risk of flooding, and, as a surface water drain is already in place, there will be no increase in the rainfall runoff rate.”

The application was supported by Pembroke Dock Town Council.

An officer report recommending approval said: “The proposal represents the sustainable reuse of an existing building within a defined settlement and would provide a beneficial community leisure facility. No significant impacts are identified in respect of design, amenity, highways, flood risk or ecology, subject to conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved.

 

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