AN IDYLLIC former coastguard ‘s cottage in a tiny Pembrokeshire village could prove to be ideal for someone on the lookout for a coastal bolthole.

The cosy cottage, nestled at the heart of historic Bosherston, with its parish church dating from the 1200’s, is in the world-renowned Pembrokeshire National Park.

The village is close to the National Trust’s tranquil Bosherston Lily Ponds, three flooded limestone valleys resplendent with the colour and heady scent of lilies in June and teeming with a multitude of wildlife all year round.

 The area near the village is renowned as a centre for intrepid rock climbing pursuits on challenging nearby sheer coastal crags.

Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the singular property, said: “The Haven is a gorgeous cottage in one of the prettiest parts of Pembrokeshire. The former coastguard’s cottage does need refurbishment and updating but once complete could make an ideal coastal retreat or holiday home.

“The property currently provides a lounge, kitchen area and three bedrooms also has an outbuilding at the rear which was previously been used as an office. It has two store rooms, a toilet and office area.

“The historic building has planning for a new access, an extension, a loft conversion and alterations to the property.

“Situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park as well as being close to Bosherston Lily Ponds it is also near to the awesome Broad Haven Beach and contemplative St Govan’s Chapel.

“The cottage’s lawned grounds are enclosed by a wall and fencing. Given the tourism in the area the property could be developed into lucrative holiday rental.

“Bosherston is a tiny village just five miles south of the county town of Pembroke. Two miles to the south of Bosherston, nestled within the steep cliffs is St Govan’s Chapel. It is free to visit, although the only access is down steep steps carved into the side of the cliff. Barafundle Bay is just around the corner and there is a wealth of other sandy beaches and glorious coastal paths and walks, nearby

“Complete with period fireplace and cooking range, Haven is listed for sale with a guide price of £149,000.”

The coastguard’s cottage, together with some ninety other varied lots, will be offered for sale at Paul Fosh Auctions online starting at 12 noon on Thursday April 15 and ending from 5pm on Thursday, April 17.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

Picture caption: Bolthole: This cute, former Pembrokeshire coastguard’s cottage is being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £149,000. 

VISITORS to Pembrokeshire will not face a new overnight tourism tax—at least not during the current county council administration.

As the Welsh Government’s controversial Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) (Wales) Bill passed its first stage in the Senedd this week, Pembrokeshire County Council has moved quickly to reassure local businesses that it has no plans to introduce the charge locally.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (Apr 1), Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said:
“We acknowledge it’s important to recognise there’s balance to be struck between supporting the industry and dealing with some of the challenges associated with peaks in season. Therefore, I’m confirming it’s not our intention to take forward the option of a visitor levy in Pembrokeshire during this administration.”

His comments will come as a relief to the county’s hospitality sector, which has expressed growing concern about the impact of a new per-night charge on tourists. Under the Welsh Government’s plans, local councils would be able to impose a charge of at least £1.25 per person, per night for hotel stays, or 75p for campsites and hostels.

Although the charge would be optional, businesses feared that pressure to raise local revenue could lead to its adoption across Wales—deterring visitors and adding to the already high cost of domestic holidays.

Council backs tourism, acknowledges challenges
Cllr Miller stressed the importance of the sector to the local economy, saying:
“We provide a fantastic tourism offer here in Pembrokeshire and it is an important part of the county’s economy.

“In addition to jobs, this administration’s approach is also about the year-round facilities and attractions that benefit local people too. We recognise the tourism landscape has experienced significant change, be that second homes legislation, tax changes and we’re aiming to provide some certainty to the industry.”

He added that like many in the sector, he was “looking forward to a great summer season” in Pembrokeshire.

‘Toxic tax’ under fire in Senedd

The announcement from County Hall came as the Welsh Conservatives renewed their calls to scrap the proposed legislation, branding it a “toxic tourism tax”.

Sam Rowlands MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, said the levy would “hit the poorest families the hardest” and was being introduced at a time when energy, water, and council tax bills were already rising.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS accused the Labour-run Welsh Government of “hiding from scrutiny” and said: “Welsh Labour has chosen to add to rising costs for families by creating a toxic tourism tax on domestic holidays. Welsh Conservatives are clear: to fix Wales, we must axe the tax.”

The Bill will now progress to further scrutiny stages in the Senedd, with more votes due later this year.

While councils like Pembrokeshire will retain the power to decide whether to adopt the levy or not, the legislation could still reshape how tourism is funded and managed across Wales in the years to come.

Responding to Pembrokeshire County Council’s decision not to implement a Visitor Levy, local Senedd Member Paul Davies said:

“Pembrokeshire County Council has made the right decision not to take forward a visitor levy. The sector has had a bruising few years and the cumulative impact of several policies and changes has heaped pressure on tourism businesses across the county.

“Tourism is a huge part of the Pembrokeshire economy. Many local people work in the industry or know someone who does. Protecting the sustainability of the sector for years to come is key and I believe operators across Pembrokeshire will breathe a sigh of relief at the Council’s decision not to implement this levy. “

“Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop future Councils implementing this damaging policy. I will continue to oppose the Visitor Levy at the Senedd and stand up for tourism businesses across Pembrokeshire.”

PLANS to bring in a tourism tax cleared the first hurdle in the Senedd, with the Welsh Government set to raise the rate to £1.30 per night per person.

Senedd members voted in favour of the tourism tax bill following a debate on April 1 during which ministers announced plans to raise the rates to create an exemption for children.

If the bill completes its passage through the Welsh Parliament, £1.30 per person before VAT could be charged on overnight stays in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.

An estimated £264m would be raised if all councils chose to introduce the levy in the decade to 2035, against total costs of £313m to £576m, according to an impact assessment.

Mark Drakeford led the “stage-one” debate on the general principles of the bill, which would also establish a mandatory register of visitor accommodation providers.

Pointing out that visitor levies are common across the world, the finance secretary stressed councils would have an option rather than an obligation to bring in a levy.

The former first minister argued the levy – which he said would cost less than a sausage roll – will be simple, straightforward and fair, with lower rates than in comparable destinations.

On calls for children to be exempt, Prof Drakeford said an amendment would exempt under-18s from the lower band, with the rates each rising by 5p from £1.25 and 75p.

“I must emphasise that any reduction in the broad base of the levy has to be made up by higher charges on those visits that remain in scope,” he said.

He told the Senedd a power for councils to charge a premium on the rates will be retained.

The Conservatives’ Sam Rowlands warned that tourism providers are deeply concerned about the proposed tax, with the sector accounting for around one in eight jobs.

The shadow finance secretary said the Welsh economy can ill afford an annual £47.5m hit, urging ministers to “axe the tax” and opposing the “assault” on the tourism sector.

Mr Rowlands stressed that already under-pressure tourism providers pay into the system through VAT, national insurance, corporation tax and business rates.

While welcoming moves to exempt children from the lower rate, the former council leader raised concerns about education and voluntary organisations being hit by the tax.

His colleague Janet Finch-Saunders described the tax plans as disgusting. “Shame on you,” she said, accusing members on other benches of letting tourism businesses down.

She warned Wales could become a “no-go area” with tourists deterred by the tax, voicing concerns about projected costs of up to £576m over the next decade.

The tourism tax bill was introduced as part of the Welsh Government’s co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru between 2021 and 2024.

Luke Fletcher, the party’s shadow economy secretary, said: “The reality is that the current way in which we do tourism isn’t sustainable in the long term.”

Pointing to a tourism tax introduced in Manchester in 2023, he told the Senedd: “Wales isn’t acting in isolation here but is moving in step with places both in and outside of the UK.”

His Plaid Cymru colleague Siân Gwenllian argued raising a small levy would improve the visitor experience and services for people living in an area all year round.

Senedd members voted 40-15 in favour of the bill, with one abstention.

The bill now moves to stage two, detailed amendments in the finance committee, before a further amending stage in the Senedd chamber and a stage-four vote on the final version.