Business
Tourism businesses voice their concerns to MP
ON THURSDAY of last week, MP Stephen Crabb and Pembrokeshire Tourism visited two tourism businesses in north Pembrokeshire where business owners had the opportunity to voice their concerns relating to the industry.
The tour began at the five star luxury self-catering complex Asheston Eco Barns and continued at Hilton Court Gardens and Crafts. The aim of the tour was for Stephen to gain a more of an understanding the current issues and aspirations of the local tourism and hospitality trade. A number of issues were brought up throughout the afternoon, these included the concerns over the current state of Aberieddy car park as well as the new legislation of the school holiday fines which comes into play this September. Maudie Hughes, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Tourism, said “We are really pleased to have been able to spend some time with Stephen Crabb discussing the issues that matter to our members and the trade as a whole. It was particularly interesting to discuss the implications of fines being levied when children are taken out of school to go on holiday – this is a point of concern for our members as many are unable to take holidays during the main holiday season, simply because that is when they are most needed in their business. We will be speaking to members on this topic more in the coming weeks, and welcome feedback from all in the trade who will be impacted by this.” Other issues addressed during the tour included the effect on tourism of changes to services at Withybush Hospital as well as a suggestion on developing a day ticket for all car parks in Pembrokeshire. Stephen Crabb said how the afternoon was a great success. “It was a real pleasure to visit both of these fantastic Pembrokeshire tourism businesses. As a county, Pembrokeshire has a lot to offer people from all over the country looking for a holiday in the UK and Asheston Eco Barns and Hilton Court Gardens are two bright examples of what is on offer. The summer season is now in full swing and I was really encouraged to hear both businesses report an increase in visitors this year, particularly from overseas.” He added: ìPembrokeshire is a world-class tourist destination and it is a privilege to be able to work alongside the local industry to make sure that businesses have everything they need to thrive.” Pembrokeshire Tourism and Stephen Crabb are now developing a strategy on how to go forward and tackle the current issues faced by the local tourism economy.
Business
Saundersfoot 72-home development work set to begin
PLANS by one of the UK’s largest housebuilders to build 72 homes, 25 of them affordable, on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire seaside village have been given the final sign-off, with works due to start in the spring.
Back in 2022, Persimmon Homes applied to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for the scheme on a 2.26 hectare area of land adjoining the northernmost houses of a long-established Sandyhill Park residential estate, Saundersfoot.
The application, including 47 open market dwellings, proposed a variety of detached, semi-detached, terraced and apartment properties to create an “attractive and integrated extension to Saundersfoot”.
The application was given delegated approval when it came before the national park’s July development management committee, with conditions including the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement relating to the affordable housing.
The affordable housing units will be split into four low-cost ownership units and 21 socially rented units, the report for national park planners said; the 35 per cent affordable percentage taking precedent over an affordable housing policy requirement of 50 per cent as it is designated as an allocated site.
As well as the affordable housing element and an open space provision, the scheme included a financial contribution to cover the contribution towards Active Travel Routes within the local area (Saundersfoot Harbour to New Hedges).
After that approval, Persimmon Homes West Wales and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park have now signed the S106 agreement and Persimmon is planning to begin groundworks next Spring, with sales launching soon after ahead of the summer season.
Welcoming the agreement, Persimmon Homes West Wales’ Managing Director, Stuart Phillips, said: “We’re pleased to have finalised the S106 agreement that will allow us to deliver 72 new, high-quality homes for local people in Saundersfoot.
“The development will provide a wide range of zero-carbon ready homes that will be of particular help to young families and first-time buyers, who otherwise might struggle to get onto the housing ladder in Pembrokeshire.
“Throughout the planning process, we have worked closely with officers and stakeholders to ensure that our homes are in keeping with – and enhance – the local area, and I’m thankful to officers and the project team for their collaborative efforts throughout.
“The scheme will deliver substantial community benefits, including new facilities, enhanced green spaces, and significant investment in public infrastructure, as well as the transfer of 25 properties to a local housing association.
“Persimmon has a proud record of delivery in Pembrokeshire, and we are excited about this latest development as we continue to build the best-value homes in sustainable and inclusive communities for local people.”
Local community council Saundersfoot had objected to the scheme on a number of grounds, also asking for a caveat that no property is bought for second-home holiday use.
Business
West Wales man raising funds for craft cider venture
A PENYBRYN resident is appealing for community support to launch a small-scale craft cider business in West Wales. Olly Craigan, the organiser of the GoFundMe campaign titled “Craigans Cider,” has already raised £545 towards his goal of £12,000. The funds will go towards purchasing essential equipment to establish a permanent apple press and cider workshop.
Since 2014, Craigan has honed his cider-making skills under the mentorship of experienced cider maker John Whitfield. Now living on a community organic farm in Pembrokeshire, Craigan is seeking to create a dedicated space for producing his craft cider.
The funds raised will help purchase an apple press (£4,500), scratter apple mill (£1,500), filtration and pumping systems (£950), stainless steel tanks (£2,500), and bottling equipment (£1,000). Any donations beyond the target will support operational costs and community cider-making workshops.
Craigan plans to thank supporters by inviting them to a grafting day on the farm, where attendees can sample cider and take home an apple tree.
Further information and donations can be made on the GoFundMe page here.
Business
35 affordable homes plans for Cleddau Bridge Hotel site submitted
A FORMAL application on plans to build 35 affordable homes on the fire-ravaged site of the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock has been submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council.
A pre-application consultation on the plans was held in September and October ahead of the formal submission.
In a prime location at one of the entrances to Pembroke Dock the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been derelict since a fire in March 2019, which brought emergency services from as far afield as Ammanford, Aberystwyth and Swansea.
A previous planning application for the demolition of the hotel and siting of a residential care home and linked bungalows was submitted in October 2022 and which was subsequently granted permission in February 2023.
This permission, whilst in outline, is still live and allows for the loss of the hotel use of the site and its alternative redevelopment as a residential care home.
The site has now been purchased by Castell Group Property Specialists who specialise in delivering affordable housing in South Wales and have undertaken a joint development deal with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) and that deal was agreed back in April 2024.
Castell Group Property Specialists, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, now wants to demolish what is left of the hotel, with a development of affordable housing units, with landscaping and ecological enhancements, the housing being 100 per cent affordable, a mix of social rent and affordable housing.
Initial discussions with the council were for 38 affordable units, which has been lowered to 35 in a mix of 16 one-bed units, 11 two-bed units, six three-bed units and two four- bed units.
The applicants say: “The application offers an opportunity to find a solution to the redevelopment of the site, which has now been vacant and derelict now for some five years, and to make a significant contribution towards meeting the affordable housing needs of the area. The proposal is unique in that the scheme would be in the form of 100 per cent affordable housing.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has previously said the 2019 fire was started by a deliberate act.
Following a fire investigation, Dyfed-Powys Police said they found there to be insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.
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