Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

New legislation in Wales has top hospitality operators talking net zero

Published

on

SOME of Wales’ top hospitality operators shared insights into their net zero journeys, with a particular focus on the impact of new legislation rolled out in April.

The likes of hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bars have had to separate out their recycling, including food waste of more than 5kg per week, under Welsh Government regulations.

And less than two months on, the Institute of Hospitality hosted an event in Cardiff to discover the impact on organisations.

Keenan Recycling, the UK’s largest food waste recycler, which went from servicing 300 sites in Wales to 1,500 in the first few weeks after the latest regulations came into play, sponsored the seminar at The Parkgate Hotel.

Grant Keenan, co-founder and managing director of Keenan Recycling, chaired a panel discussion.

He said: “It was fascinating to hear directly from those responsible for ensuring the new laws were adhered to and how vital environmental sustainability is to their growth and business success.

“We have increased our collections by five-fold and have been able to support our customers every step of the way, leaning on our experience of Scotland going through the same legislation changes in 2017.

“For us, it’s understanding what’s important to our clients. As well as the logistics of ideal collection location and times, it’s assisting them with their own journey to net zero.

“For example, we fall under Scope 3 data for many organisations, and being able to offer a service that sees the trucks fuelled by the waste they collect is hugely beneficial to users.”

The panel included industry professionals who have been involved in implementing the new laws. They offered insight into the challenges faced and the impact of sustainability on the sector.

Lucy Wonnacott, marketing manager at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Educating our staff and customers was a critical success factor. We have a wide range of commercial tenants, from small retail units to communal office buildings and industrial properties.

“The education piece was a big undertaking, but it ensured the roll out was communicated and managed responsibly.

“Speaking to fellow businesses, while they knew of the regulations, they hadn’t grasped the complexities of the logistical elements of the changes.

“People are definitely on board with separating their recycling. Sustainability means a lot to consumers. It’s part of the decision-making process for buying a product or service, which means brands must be genuine and not greenwash.”

Fitzroy Hutchinson, energy and sustainability manager for The Celtic Collection, which includes the Celtic Manor Resort in its portfolio, said: “We have 1,400 members of staff, and our environmental efforts are central to all activities, as we want to build on the longstanding legacies we have created.

“Adhering to the latest regulations was a challenge with elements including financing the new bins, education of staff and guests, and managing site audits.

“There is a clear interest from our guests and event clients in our environmental credentials. A decade ago, we might answer sustainability questions from event clients in a single page, but now those questions are much more numerous and technically rigorous. We also have a detailed section of sustainability content on our website.”

Another member of the panel was Will Sowerby, content and communications lead at Pact Coffee, a speciality-grade coffee subscription, who said: “Our customers are constantly asking questions regarding all things environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

“That’s where ESG reports and being a B-Corp comes in handy. It’s a clear and obvious signal you genuinely care about your operations beyond price.”

The Institute of Hospitality’s CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI commented: “Environmental issues remain a hot topic for the hospitality industry. Wales has an outstanding reputation for achieving success on ‘green’ outcomes, so it was really appropriate to host our latest Above & Beyond event in Cardiff and tap into that expertise.

“Wales has the best recycling rate in the world, with 65 per cent of waste diverted from landfill. This is an incredible achievement.

“Listening to our panel members today, it’s clear that while there were challenges with the initial rollout of the new laws in Wales, there is passion in ensuring sustainability is at the heart of all operations.”

 

Business

Tudor Glen Caravan Park Pembrokeshire planning call

Published

on

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire caravan site to be allowed static caravans in lieu of touring ones, which the applicant says was allowed back in 1988, has been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Keith Stevens of Tudor Glen Caravan Park, Jameston, through agent Lambe Planning & Design Ltd, seeks a certificate of lawfulness of an existing use of the site to establish the status of a 1988 planning permission.

Essentially what that means is the applicant is seeking confirmation of details of that permission as to whether it includes static or touring caravans.

A supporting statement says: “Tudor Glen Caravan Park is a long-established family owned and operated Holiday Park. The Park extends to approximately six acres and caters for families within static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

“The Park is exceptionally well run and achieved the 2025 runner up award for Best Family Campsite South Wales. The Park has a range of modern purpose-built facilities including a heated swimming pool, laundrette, dedicated play area, games room and full amenity facilities.”

Covering the 1988 approval of removing two previous conditions connected to the site, granting permission for up to 50 caravans and occupancy of March 1 to January 9, it says: “It does not stipulate that the caravans must be removed from the site during the ‘close period’ as would be the case if the consent related to touring caravans,” adding: “It is therefore clear that the intentions of that planning application and the consent granted relates to the siting of up to 50 caravans and not specifically touring caravans.

“If that consent were to be partially restricted to touring, a touring condition would have been imposed and / or a condition requiring that the caravans must be removed from the site during a close period – it doesn’t.”

It concludes: “Whilst the park has been operated on the basis of providing both Static Caravan and Touring Caravan Pitches, [the 1988] Planning Approval clearly gives permission for any type of caravan which complies with the Legal Definition of a Caravan.

“That permission does not restrict the type of unit to either static or touring caravans and does not restrict the layout of the holiday park it is therefore concluded that [the 1988 permission] allows for the siting of any unit which complies with the legal definition of a caravan, and does not restrict the layout or location of the units.

“The applicant therefore seeks confirmation from the LPA to that effect via this Certificate of Lawful (proposed) Use application.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused

Published

on

A CALL for an extra sign advertising a Pembrokeshire holiday park, adding to exiting unauthorised ones, which planners say would create “visual clutter and intrusion” and a distraction to drivers, has been refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, permission was sought, through Lakeside Signs Limited, for an additional sign advertising Haven’s Lydstep Beach Village, near Tenby, the sign proposed for North Lodge where the holiday park joins the main road.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways authority raised no concerns regarding the specific location of the sign, but said “there remains a broader concern regarding the cumulative impact of signage along this section of highway,” adding: “The increasing proliferation of signs in this location has the potential to create a visually cluttered environment, which may distract drivers and, in turn, give rise to road safety implications.”

A Park officer report recommending refusal said: “Currently, there are eight flagpoles, one A-frame banner type sign, one pole mounted panel sign, and a further panel sign, located behind the stone wall on the western side of the park’s entrance. None of these advertisements have the benefit of advertisement consent.”

It added: “The increasing number of signs in this location has the potential to create a distraction to drivers, which may result in road safety implications. In addition, the proliferation of signage would create clutter that would result in visual intrusion in this countryside location affecting amenity. As such, the recommendation is to refuse.”

It went on to say: “Whilst it is not deemed that the proposed advertisement would result in harm being caused to the specific special qualities of this area, there are concerns that the display of this advertisement would, along with the remainder of the advertisements, which are unauthorised, result in a proliferation of advertisements, which in turn would cause visual clutter and intrusion.

“This is especially problematic in a countryside location where development is strictly controlled. Should the existing signage be consolidated and rationalised, the Authority may support the proposed sign, however, currently, any additional signage would not be deemed appropriate.”

The application was refused on the grounds that it would, along with the exiting signage, “result in visual clutter and intrusion which would detract from the visual amenity of this countryside location, and would result in potential distraction to drivers, which in turn would rise to road safety implications”.

 

Continue Reading

Business

The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot

Published

on

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Coal Building interpretation centre could soon host the third store for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd, in plans before the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd seeks a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

While no supporting statement has yet been published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application says the scheme would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

It says the proposed site is currently a mixed-use retail and gift shop, having previously been used as office space.

It adds: “This is a space within a building that is still trading, the space we are wanting a change of use was last used by Persimmon Homes as an office space.”

Of the scheme itself it says it will involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.

If approved, the Saundersfoot site would be the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

After that store opened following redevelopment of Newport’s Victorian market, Craig Taylor, of The Cheesecake Guy, said: “We are very excited to be part of the new development in Newport Market alongside some other amazing small businesses.

“We feel this is definitely the next step in the right direction after our Merthyr Tydfil store taking off so well.”

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

The Saundersfoot proposal will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

News23 hours ago

Plaid Cymru celebrates historic victory as Rhun ap Iorwerth arrives at Cardiff Bay

CROWDS gathered outside the Senedd as Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth arrived in Cardiff Bay following his party’s historic...

Crime1 day ago

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old...

Crime1 day ago

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident...

News2 days ago

Catastrophe for Labour as Plaid and Reform reshape Welsh politics

ELUNED MORGAN LOSES SEAT AS OLD CERTAINTIES ARE SWEPT AWAY THE VOTERS of Wales have delivered one of the most...

News2 days ago

Labour wiped out in Ceredigion Penfro as Plaid tops poll and First Minister loses seat

Shock result sends political shockwaves across Wales as Reform also surges in historic Senedd count LABOUR suffered one of the...

News2 days ago

Labour deputy says party ‘will not form next Welsh Government’

LABOUR FACES HISTORIC DEFEAT AS COUNTING CONTINUES ACROSS WALES LABOUR’S Deputy Leader in Wales has effectively conceded the Senedd election,...

News2 days ago

Counts underway in historic Senedd election

Wales waits for results as first election under new voting system reaches count stage COUNTING is underway across Wales today...

Charity3 days ago

Chief’s Tour honours fallen officers with 75-mile Pembrokeshire ride

Dyfed-Powys Police team raises thousands for bereaved police families charity A TEAM of officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police cycled...

Crime3 days ago

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room...

Crime3 days ago

Milford Haven woman denies causing suffering to cat

Jury hears evidence over alleged failure to seek treatment for tumour A MILFORD HAVEN woman has denied causing unnecessary suffering...

Popular This Week