News
St Davids: Backlash to Premier Inn plans from locals


‘An opportunity that should not be missed’: Applicants put plans on display in St Davids
PROPOSALS for a major hotel and affordable housing development in St Davids are to go on display this weekend (May 19–20).
The proposed development, which would be sited on land off Glasfryn Road, would feature a 63–bedroom Premier Inn and up to 75 new homes.
The applicants behind the project – St Davids Peninsular Community Land Trust, Swangate Developments and Pembrokeshire Housing Association – have suggested that the hotel would add to the town’s economy by increasing visitor accommodation choice and creating around 20 new jobs.
This aspect of the development however, has already come under fire from local residents and visitors, with an online petition titled ‘NO to Premier Inn in St Davids’ having reached nearly 700 signatures at the time of writing.
Those behind the project are encouraging local residents and businesses to attend the public exhibition at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre to learn more about the proposals and contribute to the public consultation, which is taking place ahead of a planning application being submitted.
The applicants intend to submit a planning application later this summer.
Bill Preece, who is leading the proposals for St Davids Community Land Trust, said: “Creating more than 70 new homes on Glasfryn Road is a significant opportunity for St Davids given the shortage of new and affordable homes in the area.
“We have been promoting the site for many years and now have a proposal that is achievable and will make a meaningful contribution to the local housing supply. It is an opportunity that should not be missed.”
The proposals for the housing development are said to include a combination of rented and affordable shared–equity housing, as well as open market properties.
Group Property Services Director at Pembrokeshire Housing Association, Nigel Sinnett, said: “Delivering affordable homes is a serious challenge in Pembrokeshire. With high land values it is often very difficult to make developments financially viable.
“The proposed mix of rented properties, shared equity homes and properties for private sale ensures the development can proceed and will bring much needed new homes on an allocated and accessible site. It will enable families to stay in the local area.”
Public opposition however, would appear firmly aimed at the Premier Inn aspect of the development, as opposed to the housing.
In raising concerns over how the hotel could ‘pave the way for more big chains’, which could destroy ‘independently run businesses’, a spokesperson for the ‘NoPi’ petition said: “Premier Inn won’t support local businesses, it will undermine them.
“The land being sold to Premier Inn is privately owned by someone outside of Pembrokeshire. None of the funds raised will go towards the housing, swimming pool, or back into the community.”
They continued: “Premier Inn are part of a large multinational company. This development could potentially pave the way for more big chains within our beautiful city, destroying independently run businesses and threatening our cultural identity.”
The spokesperson concludes by drawing on the Pembrokeshire National Park Local Development Plan 2010–2021, adding: “The City’s role as an attractive historic centre is protected and enhanced and the hotel and guest house accommodation is adequate to serve the needs of visitors.”
The proposed site is located to the north–west of Glasfryn Road.
According to the applicants, the Premier Inn would be positioned to the east of the site, facing onto Glasfryn Road and the A487, while the new homes would be located to the west and south.
Three accesses are proposed to the site, two from Glasfryn Road and one from the A487.
Acquisition Manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, Nick Johnston, stated that the proposed ‘lay out separates the hotel from the new homes’, while the elevations of the hotel have been ‘broken up […] to ensure it suits its surroundings’.
Representatives from the joint applicants, as well as Premier Inn and the ‘technical team’ will be present at the exhibition.
Exhibitions will take place on Friday (May 19) between 2pm and 7pm and on Saturday (May 20) between 10am and 2.30pm. Feedback forms will be available at the exhibition.
A further round of statutory consultation will follow once a planning application has been submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Details of the plans are now available via the website, www.glasfrynroadplans.co.uk.
Feedback can be submitted via the online form or by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call 0808 168 8296.
The petition can be found here.
Charity
Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.
Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.
Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.
Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”
Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”
The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.
Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”
The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.
Entertainment
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.
The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”
Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ
Community
Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”
A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.
Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’
Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.
“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”
He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.
“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”
Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.
“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”
Ongoing training and backlash
Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.
“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”
Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.
“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”
Community protection notice issued
Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.
“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”
The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.
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