Strategic proposal calls for temporary suspension of rates to support shops and businesses during town centre regeneration

A PROPOSAL for Haverfordwest to become the Welsh Government’s national pilot for the temporary suspension of business rates has been presented to local politicians and business representatives.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner unveiled the 24-page strategic report following 18 months of work and more than two years of discussions with residents and traders.

He said business rates had repeatedly been identified as one of the greatest obstacles facing Haverfordwest town centre, particularly while major regeneration work is taking place.

The proposed pilot would temporarily suspend business rates during the regeneration programme, with the aim of attracting new investment, supporting existing traders and bringing vacant premises back into use.

Councillor Thomas-Turner said the initiative could also create jobs, increase footfall and help the town maximise the economic benefits of projects including the redevelopment and reopening of Haverfordwest Castle.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting attended by Henry Tufnell MP, Paul Davies MS, county councillor Dai Clements, Plaid Cymru representative Billy Shaw, Deputy Mayor Councillor Adam Benson-Davies, Hedi Lewis of Haverfordwest Business Circle and independent business owner Ben Evans.

Councillor Thomas-Turner said Paul Davies MS had pledged his support, while representatives from Labour and Plaid Cymru had also engaged positively with the proposal.

He said: “This is not about party politics. It is about securing the best possible future for Haverfordwest and ensuring businesses are supported while the town undergoes significant regeneration.

“A temporary suspension of business rates could encourage new businesses to invest, protect existing traders, create jobs and help fill empty shops.

“Today was not the finish line. It was the beginning of the next stage of the campaign.”

He added that the proposal would require support from residents, businesses, Haverfordwest Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Members of the Senedd, the local MP and the Welsh Government.

No representative from Reform UK attended the meeting.

CAPTION:

Political representatives and members of Haverfordwest’s business community met to discuss the proposed business rates pilot.

PEMBROKESHIRE’S leader is to write to Welsh Government to push for a review of the contentious 182-day rule for self-catering holiday properties which otherwise have to pay second homes tax.

Self-catering businesses not meeting the 182-day criteria end up paying the second homes council tax premium, currently 125 per cent on top of the general rate, in the county, along with similar premiums for the other elements of the overall bill such as the police precept.

In a submitted question heard at the July 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Huw Murphy asked: “Most councillors are aware that much of Pembrokeshire relies on tourism and hospitality for its economic success. A key element of a successful Pembrokeshire tourism industry is the self-catering sector.

“Plaid Cymru in its manifesto made several pledges for its first 100 days in office, one under the headline of ‘Unleashing Wales Economic Potential’ which made no specific mention of the 182 letting day rule that was introduced by the previous Labour Government under their co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru.

“However, Plaid Cymru prior to Senedd elections in May 2026, stated that they would review the 182-day threshold which has been a disaster for many self-catering businesses, many of whom are in rural and coastal communities. I have raised this matter on several occasions since being elected.

“Through speaking to those operating in the self-catering sector there is a clear need to reduce the 182-day threshold. I should point out that in the past I have suggested it be reduced to 140 days and still hold that view.

“Over 50 days have now passed since the Senedd Elections, but we have not heard any details of a review of the 182-day letting rule.

“Therefore, will the Leader [Cllr Tessa Hodgson] write off to the First Minister outlining the concerns of many Pembrokeshire county councillors with regards to the 182 days letting rule and ask for a reply setting out when Welsh Government intend to commence a review of this policy, which is much needed?”

Responding to the submitted question, Cllr Hodgson said she was happy to write a letter pressing the issue, adding she understood a Welsh Government review was expected, but was not aware of the timeframe for that at the current moment.

Cllr Murphy said, since his submitted question was publicised, he had been “inundated with emails” from constituents, “confirming the urgency” of a review.

Back in 2023, Cllr Murphy submitted an unsuccessful notice of motion to full council calling for the 182-day rule in Pembrokeshire to be lowered, proposing a figure of 140 days.

At the time of the 2023 call it was instead agreed to review the situation and for the council to raise its concerns to Welsh Government.

CALLS to allow the permanent siting of an award-winning Pembrokeshire seaside village outdoor sauna which has been featured in the national press, and had a petition of nearly 600 in its support has been refused in its current site.

Back in June 2024, a temporary two-year permission for a mobile wood-fired sauna at overlooking the sea at Saundersfoot harbour was granted by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee.

Since then, a further application by Kerry Evans of Hwyl Outdoor Sauna to make the siting permanent was submitted to national park planners, which was recommended for refusal at the July 15 meeting of the national park’s development management committee.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said, since its introduction the sauna has “become a popular and valued amenity for both residents and visitors, offering a space focussed on health, wellbeing and community connection”.

It went on to say: “The overall sentiment within the village has been strongly supportive, with many residents recognising the sauna as a valuable asset that enhances the amenities in Saundersfoot,” adding: “Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has received positive attention in regional and national press helping to promote Saundersfoot as a destination for coastal wellbeing and outdoor experiences.

“Media coverage has highlighted the sauna as an example of the increasing popularity of sea swimming and sauna culture around the UK coastline.”

Back in February, the business, set up by former superyacht worker and mum-of-two Kerry won Sauna of the Year 2026/27 at the Wales Prestige Awards.

The permanent siting proposal had gained support from the public saying it was “a major asset to the village,” and “a wellness landmark for Saundersfoot,” and “a unique offering that attracts visitors to the beach and harbour”.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds the sauna “in its current form and with the proposed location of the sauna, is considered to result in a landscape impact that harms the setting of the Saundersfoot Conservation Area,” it was “located in a position which reduces public access along the existing promenade route,” and an updated, since its previous permission, need for a Flood Consequences Assessment which hadn’t been addressed.

An officer report for members said that, while the 2024 scheme found no unacceptable adverse effects on the qualities and special landscape and seascape character of the National Park, “this application also includes further development in respect of a booking office (in retrospect) and therefore the amount of development in this application exceeds that of the temporary permission”.

Since the recommendation for refusal was publicised a 558-strong petition has been collected, calling for it to be allowed to remain; the local county councillor and his predecessor also both speaking in favour of the scheme at the meeting.

At the meeting, members heard from officers there may be scope for alternate siting of the sauna in the harbour area, but the current location could set a precedent for other areas in the park like Tenby or Newport’s Parrog.

At the meeting, applicant Kerry Evans said the sauna had been a “successful local business,” which had attracted thousands to the village with a thriving community around it, with donations to charities and local fundraisers.

She said the current location was “fundamental to its success,” providing users with “privacy and dignity,” while allowing them stunning views across the bay.

“For many first-time customers that first time when they step in [to the sauna] and look at the waves rolling in is unforgettable.”

Kerry said the sauna didn’t just benefit her but Saundersfoot and had operated safely for the last two years, being moved in poor weather.

When asked whether an alternative location could be considered, she said other parts of the harbour were still a “working harbour” and the sauna was sited next to the beach-side railings to avoid any danger of people potentially “staring in” at the sauna-users.

Phil Baker, a former county councillor for Saundersfoot, raised the near-600-strong petition in support of the sauna, along with a recent national park award for its part in the redevelopment of the harbour area; his successor Cllr Chis Williams also speaking in support.

Cllr Williams said the sauna was already moved if there were unsafe weather conditions, and, on the issue of potential obstruction, there had not been “a single complaint from residents or local businesses”.

The recommendation of refusal was reluctantly moved by Cllr Di Clements, who described it as “a brilliant business” on the grounds of visual impact, adding she hoped discussions would take place with officers on an alternative location.

She was seconded by Cllr Micheal Williams who warned approval would set a precedent that could be “used as a weapon for applicants and agents in the future,” with members having a duty to protect “the historic cove of Saundersfoot”.

Members overwhelmingly approved the recommendation of refusal, committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock saying: “we all desperately want this business to continue, but in a location that reflects the concerns of the national park.”