Business
Cardiff Airport secures £206m investment for expansion
CARDIFF AIRPORT is set to receive more than £206 million to enhance its passenger numbers and facilities, as announced by the economy minister, Ken Skates. This substantial investment aims to increase annual passenger traffic to two million and improve the airport’s maintenance, cargo, and sustainable aviation infrastructure over the next decade.
The airport has been under public ownership since 2013. However, Mr Skates emphasised that the management would have the autonomy to utilise the funds “with commercial freedom”. He highlighted the airport’s importance, stating it contributes £200 million annually to the Welsh economy and serves as a critical gateway for tourists, investors, and visitors attending various events in the region.
The investment forms part of a long-term strategy to attract aviation businesses and expand passenger routes, focusing on European hub airports, North America, the Middle East, and South Asia. In 2023, Cardiff Airport handled approximately 840,000 passengers, half the number seen in 2019, reflecting the slower recovery from pandemic-related travel restrictions compared to larger airports.
Mr Skates noted that the new funding would not only bolster passenger numbers but also drive job creation and economic growth in the wider region. “The airport, along with the neighbouring Bro Tathan business park, are at the nexus of the cluster of successful aviation and aerospace businesses in the region,” he said.
Despite the positive outlook from the government, the investment has faced criticism from opposition parties. Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar condemned the move, calling it a “vanity project” and urging the Welsh government to sell the airport. She criticised the substantial public spending, stating, “The people of Wales have been well and truly fleeced with this vanity project, one of Labour’s most costly to date.”
Ms Asghar argued that the nearly £200 million already invested had yielded diminishing returns and that doubling this amount was an imprudent use of taxpayer money. “Cardiff Airport should be sold to finally give Welsh taxpayers some respite,” she added.
The government maintains an open stance on the airport’s future ownership, indicating a willingness to consider various options.
Cardiff Wales Airport Chief Executive Spencer Birns welcomed the investment, expressing optimism about the economic benefits and job creation it would bring. “This investment would enable us to continue providing economic benefits, creating more jobs across our country, being a gateway to the UK and Wales, and ensuring global connectivity,” he stated.
Mr Birns underscored the airport’s value as a national asset, noting that 98% of airports worldwide are community-owned. He reiterated the airport’s role in facilitating over 4,000 aviation-related jobs in the Vale of Glamorgan and its significant economic impact on Wales.
The government’s plan, however, requires a review by the Competition and Markets Authority, as it could be classified as a “subsidy of particular interest” under the UK subsidy regime, according to Mr Skates.
Cardiff Airport has received substantial financial support since its acquisition by the Welsh government, including loans and grants amounting to £179.6 million. The new £206 million commitment marks the next phase of investment following the end of the government’s three-year Covid rescue package.
The long-term vision for Cardiff Airport includes not only boosting passenger numbers but also strengthening its role in the aviation sector, ensuring its position as a vital element of Wales’ economic infrastructure.
Qatar Airways: Awaiting Return
A significant factor in Cardiff Airport’s future success is the return of Qatar Airways. Despite being the airport’s largest player pre-pandemic, the airline has not yet resumed its Cardiff to Doha service. The return of this route is seen as vital for the airport’s recovery and growth.
Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of its Birmingham to Doha route this July, raising hopes for Cardiff. However, the exact timeline for restarting Cardiff operations remains unclear. While some reports suggest a possible return in 2024, the airport and the Welsh government are keenly awaiting confirmation from the airline.

Business
Tudor Glen Caravan Park Pembrokeshire planning call
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.
Business
Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused
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”.
Business
The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot
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.
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