A NATIONAL park refusal of the permanent siting of an award-winning Pembrokeshire seaside village outdoor sauna, which has been featured in the national press, is likely to be appealed, its owner has said.

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 refused following an officer recommendation at the July committee meeting.

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, and the facility has featured in the national press.

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 refused 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.

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 against beach-side railings was “fundamental to its success,” providing users with “privacy and dignity,” while allowing them stunning views across the bay.

After the scheme was refused committee members had expressed their hopes a different harbourside location could be found for the sauna.

Speaking after the planning refusal, Kerry Evans said she had started the early stages of a potential appeal over the decision by writing to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), adding: “We had amazing support from Cllr Chris Williams and [former county councillor] Phil Baker, [and a petition of some 600 signatures in support]; we had all the right people in the right places but it wasn’t actually been taken on board.”

On the reasons for refusal, Kerry said the flood risk issue seemed “a little bit nonsensical,” with the sauna operating for two years without any issues, the mobile sauna being moved in poor weather conditions as “it would be foolish to leave it there”.

On potential alternative locations, she said: “If there was somewhere suitable I’m obviously happy to look at that, but having explored it quite extensively there aren’t many areas; there’s a need for privacy, I have no control about who would be looking through the window.

“Part of the magic of that sauna is the view and the magic of the Pembrokeshire coast with the amazing light; people feeling slightly uptight come out relaxed, there’s a sense of space and connection with the outside world, which is hugely important for us as human beings.”

She went on to say: “We’re trying to arrange a meeting with the officers and the CEO of the harbour,” adding: “Everyone said ‘we want this business to work,’ if they’ve got a genius idea, I’m open to suggestions.

“To me it seems like a real shame it’s been refused, the only material change is it’s now proven to be a safe and successful business.

“It’s a frustration, all that hard work is being put in jeopardy by this decision.”

Since the refusal, a change.org petition entitled Save Hwyl outdoor sauna Saundersfoot, has been set up, attracting more than 300 signatures to date.

Stephen Kinnock has been named the new Secretary of State for Wales after Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled his first Cabinet reshuffle, replacing Jo Stevens following two years in the post.

The appointment comes as the new Prime Minister continues to shape his government after entering Downing Street, with the Wales Office among a number of departments seeing changes at ministerial level.

Mr Kinnock, the Labour MP for Aberafan Maesteg, takes over responsibility for representing Welsh interests at the Cabinet table and overseeing the UK Government’s relationship with the Welsh Government.

The 55-year-old has served in Parliament since 2015 and has held a number of ministerial positions. Before joining the Cabinet, he served as a minister in both the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care, where he was involved in immigration, public health and NHS-related policy.

He is also well known as the son of former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, one of Wales’ most prominent political figures, and former European Commissioner Glenys Kinnock.

Mr Kinnock replaces Jo Stevens, who has served as Secretary of State for Wales since 2024. During her tenure she worked on issues including economic investment, the transition to green energy, rail infrastructure and cooperation between the UK and Welsh Governments.

The change follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first Cabinet reshuffle since taking office, with several senior ministerial appointments announced as he begins setting out the priorities of his new administration.

As Secretary of State for Wales, Mr Kinnock will be expected to play a key role in discussions over economic growth, energy, transport, the future of the steel industry, and constitutional matters affecting Wales. He is also likely to be heavily involved in negotiations between Westminster and Cardiff Bay as the Burnham Government develops its agenda.

His appointment will be closely watched across Wales, including in Pembrokeshire, where businesses, local authorities and public services will be looking for signs of how the new Government intends to deliver on its promises for investment, infrastructure and economic development.

Further announcements on the new Government’s programme are expected in the coming days.

Henry Tufnell welcomes Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first cost-of-living measure, which will remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from October

HOUSEHOLDS across Pembrokeshire are expected to save around £45 a year after Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that VAT will be removed from domestic electricity bills.

The UK-wide tax cut will reduce the VAT rate on household electricity from 5% to zero from October 1, in time to be reflected in the next Ofgem energy price cap.

The Government says energy suppliers will be expected to pass the full reduction on to customers, including households on fixed-price tariffs.

Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, welcomed the announcement and said rising energy costs had placed considerable pressure on families across the county.

Mr Tufnell said: “I know just how hard it’s been for so many people across Pembrokeshire struggling with high energy bills.

“It is fantastic to see immediate action from our new Prime Minister, focused on making life easier for people in Pembrokeshire.

“Cutting VAT on electricity will bring welcome relief to local families and shows that we have a Labour government on our side, taking swift action to ease the cost of living.”

The measure is one of the first policy announcements made by Mr Burnham since entering Downing Street.

Speaking on his second day as Prime Minister, Mr Burnham said the tax reduction was intended to provide households with immediate “breathing space” ahead of the winter.

He said: “Westminster has not been working for people for too long, with families struggling with the cost of living.

“That needs to change. I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister.

“We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope.”

The Government estimates that removing VAT will reduce the annual Ofgem price cap by approximately £45 from October.

Ministers say this will be in addition to the £150 reduction in energy costs announced at the previous Budget.

Although the saving will apply across the UK, it could be particularly welcome in rural areas such as Pembrokeshire, where many households face additional transport, housing and heating costs.

The Government says the VAT reduction will initially be funded through the cancellation of the planned £1.8 billion Digital ID programme.

The electricity tax cut is expected to cost approximately £850 million during the 2026-27 financial year, although updated estimates will be published at the Budget.

Chancellor John Healey said: “For too long, too many people have struggled with the cost of living.

“Today’s energy tax cut will give families some breathing room on bills and provide some reassurance this winter.

“This measure is funded this year from cancelling the Digital ID programme, and it will help bring down inflation while supporting households in every postcode.”

Ministers estimate that the VAT cut could reduce CPI inflation by around 0.1 percentage points.

The relief will also apply to some small businesses that qualify for domestic energy VAT rates but are not VAT registered, along with eligible charities and residential care homes.

Further decisions on longer-term support for energy bills are expected to be announced alongside the Budget and an updated forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility.