Community

Pembrokeshire’s Apple Camping had ‘disco chapel’ without permission

Published

3 years ago

September 15, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A Pembrokeshire ‘glamping’ site – nationally famed as a place you can stay in a jet plane, UFO, speedboat, or submarine – put attractions on site without planning permission, even turning a storage area into a ‘disco chapel’.

At the September meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, members considered a retrospective application by Toby Rhys-Davies to change the layout and the number of holiday units at Apple Camping, Redberth, near Tenby.

A report for members, recommending conditional approval, stated: “The application has been made to regularise unauthorised development that has taken place at the Apple Camping site and to secure approval for details relating to an approved ‘buffer zone’ that were the subject of conditions on previous planning permissions relating to the site.”

A report for members said ‘regularisation’ was sought in the northern field for: two ‘Pac Man’ units, one train carriage unit, one fuselage unit, one witch’s hat unit and one ‘hobbit house’ unit, together with the retention of as-built facilities.

The southern field sought to regularise the provision of the speedboat and submarine units; together with the retention of three WC / shower / kitchen ‘blocks’, as-built foul drainage arrangements, as built external lighting arrangements and approval of landscaping details as implemented.

Approval was also sought for landscaping details associated with a ‘buffer zone’ that is proposed at the site’s boundary with an adjacent watercourse.

The report added: “It is clear that the principle of the use of both fields for holiday accommodation purposes has been allowed by reason of decisions made by the council as local planning authority (LPA) and through the appeal process.

“Officers conclude that subject to the detail of individual aspects of the application now under consideration, the principle of continued use of the land for holiday accommodation is acceptable.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries said the “quirky tourism” venue first started a decade ago, and had grown into a “big, big success,” which has featured heavily on terrestrial TV channels and the national press.

“It’s been proving a winner, lots of visitors and lots of telly.

“However, it appears Mr Rhys-Davies got a bit carried away with his success, bringing in these different schemes without planning permission,” suggesting he, perhaps, “hasn’t ticked the right boxes”.

“Sadly, for Pembrokeshire he’s thinking of sticking it on the market,” said Mr Vaughan-Harries, before alluding to another project Mr Rhys-Davies had “in waiting”.

“If you’re going to have to sell your tourism development you’ve got to put everything in order; the ‘chapel’ building – I think the evidence is there it has been used both as a storage and as a function building – that will have to stop until the right consents are in place.

One of the objectors was local community council Jeffreyston, which raised many concerns, saying Apple Camping “has completely disregarded correct planning procedures over a considerable period”.

Among the many concerns raised were: “Apple camping has an entertainment complex site referred to as the ‘disco chapel’. This is being advertised as rented out for parties or general parties on the site.”

It raised concerns about noise pollution, the health and safety of these parties, and the impact on the wildlife in the area.

It also raised concerns about drainage from the site directly onto the highway and visual impact.

Local member Vanessa Thomas raised the council’s concerns, asking – amongst other points – that the ‘disco chapel’ reverted to storage only.

Councillor Mark Carter moved the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Jamie Adams, who said it was an “opportunity to regularise” activities on site.

Members unanimously backed the recommendation.

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

Community

Former Neyland police officer Louis Knight dies aged 83

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes pour in for former Neyland officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend”

A FORMER Neyland police officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend” has died at the age of 83, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Pembrokeshire.

Louis Knight, of Neyland Hill, Neyland, passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 5).

Mr Knight, who served as a police officer in the area for many years, was a familiar and respected figure in Neyland and beyond. In the hours following the announcement of his death, hundreds of messages flooded social media, painting a picture of a man whose impact stretched far beyond his time in uniform.

Many described him simply as “one of the best,” while others called him “a proper local legend” and “a tremendous police officer.”

One resident wrote: “A face and name I will never forget from my youth.”

Another said: “He was a tremendous police officer… a kick up the backside and a word was enough. It stayed with you.”

Others remembered his warmth and humour away from policing.

“He always had a story to tell on the way home in the taxi,” one tribute read, while another added: “Every time you asked him how he was, the answer was always ‘bloody marvellous.’”

Many spoke of his kindness and the time he gave to people.

“Louis was one of the most kindest gentlemen around. Always made time to chat,” one message said.

Another added: “Neyland won’t be the same again.”

While some reflected fondly on a different era of policing, what came through most strongly was the respect Mr Knight earned within his community — something repeatedly highlighted in tributes from those who knew him as children, neighbours, and later as adults.

Mr Knight was the beloved husband of the late Angela, devoted father of Andrew and Alison, and adored father-in-law of Frank. He was also a loving grandfather to Michelle and Laura, and a cherished brother of Jennifer, Charles and Richard.

His family said he was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday (Apr 1) at 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Louis, if desired, are for Ward 8 at Withybush Hospital and may be sent directly to the ward at SA61 2PZ.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven (01646 693180).

Photo caption:

PC Louis Knight pictured during a Royal Visit, engaging with local children — a familiar sight in Neyland for many years (Pic: Supplied).

Community

Banking hub plans gather pace in Pembroke Dock

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLANS to deliver a new Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock are moving forward, following a key meeting between local representatives and Cash Access UK.

Samuel Kurtz MS met with Cash Access UK Regional Manager Debbie Crow on Wednesday (Mar 19), alongside community representatives, to discuss the next steps after confirmation last week that the campaign for a hub had been successful.

The new facility is expected to be up and running within 12 weeks, providing vital access to banking services for residents, businesses and community groups across Pembroke Dock and the wider South Pembrokeshire area.

***Samuel Kurtz*** MS: **“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area”**

Banking Hubs offer a shared space where customers can carry out everyday transactions such as cash withdrawals and deposits, as well as access face-to-face support from individual banks on designated days.

The development follows the closure of the last bank branch in Pembroke Dock, which had raised concerns about access to essential financial services in the area. Samuel Kurtz has been working with LINK, local businesses and community groups to secure the new hub.

Discussions at the meeting focused on identifying a suitable location and ensuring the service meets the needs of those who continue to rely heavily on cash.

Following strong public interest in the project, Mr Kurtz has confirmed he will hold a series of drop-in sessions in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock to update residents and answer questions.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Last week’s news that the campaign for a Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock had been successful was incredibly welcome for our community.

“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area. I have already been inundated with questions from people wanting to know what happens next.

“That’s why I will be holding drop-in sessions in both Pembroke and Pembroke Dock so residents and businesses can come along, ask questions and hear the latest updates.

“I was pleased to meet with Cash Access UK’s Regional Manager to discuss the next steps, and I will continue working closely with local stakeholders to help ensure the hub is delivered as quickly as possible.”

Further details about the drop-in sessions are expected to be announced shortly.