A SECOND call to keep a ‘funky’ holiday lodge in woods near a Pembrokeshire village, previously turned down partly over a dispute on what constitutes a caravan, has been refused again.

In an application refused by Pembrokeshire County Council planners in June, Greg Baker, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought retrospective permission for the creation of a second tourism unit with a bespoke fixed holiday lodge/hot tub with parking area at Cabin in The Woods, near Woodcocks House, Carmarthen Road, Kilgetty.

Work started on the scheme in April 2023.

A supporting statement through Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said: “The current application presents a scheme to provide a second bespoke holiday unit on land in our client’s ownership. The application for a second holiday let unit is in response to demand for more ‘funky’ holiday accommodation in Pembrokeshire and the popularity of the Kilgetty area, it being central to many visitor attractions in the county.”

It said a previous 1998 application, Woodberry Cottage, has operated as a holiday let for a number of years, adding: “This remains the case and as such, the proposal is still intended to extend and complement the existing holiday letting business on the site.”

The application was refused by county planners on the grounds the scheme “is for self-catering accommodation in the form of a cabin, on the basis of information submitted with the application, this is considered to be a caravan rather than built development, as there is no robust information to demonstrate that it is permanently fixed to the ground”.

It was also refused on the grounds of being in a countryside location outside of any defined settlement boundary.

Since then, a fresh application aimed at addressing the reasons for refusal was submitted, saying works had been carried out making the lodge a fixed structure.

“Our clients have provided further information to support the claim that the holiday lodge is indeed fixed to the ground and not moveable and with the fixed decking it also clearly goes over the maximum size of a caravan,” the statement said.

It also said the development was an extension to an existing holiday business rather than one in the open countryside.

An officer report, recommending refusal, said the authority was “of the opinion that the chassis on which the cabin is built is still only bolted to the timber plates attached to the metal poles and therefore could potentially be unbolted to enable the removal of the cabin.”

It was again refused on the basis it “is considered to be a caravan rather than built development, as there is no robust information to demonstrate that it is permanently fixed to the ground,” and “The application site is located in a countryside location outside of any defined settlement boundary.”

Funding to strengthen film, TV and publishing sectors

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a further £2.5 million for Wales’ creative industries, delivering fresh investment for the film and television sector and extra support for publishers facing ongoing financial pressures.

Creative Wales currently supports more than 3,500 businesses, employing over 35,000 people. The latest figures show the industry generated £1.5 billion in turnover during 2023 – up more than ten per cent on the previous year.

The additional funding comes shortly after the Government confirmed £2 million for Bad Wolf to deliver two new high-end TV productions, a move expected to generate £30 million of economic activity in Wales.

Since Creative Wales was launched, the Welsh Government has now committed £33.8 million across 70 productions, resulting in £419.7 million of investment back into the Welsh economy.

Wales’ creative strengths were showcased this week at the Wales Investment Summit, and again on Friday when the British-Irish Council placed “Creative” at the centre of its discussions.

Culture Minister Jack Sargeant said Wales had every reason to be proud of its creative talent.

He said: “The creative industries are a real success story for Wales. Whether it’s actors, storytellers, musicians, animators or games developers, our creative industries consistently put our nation on the global stage.

“Not only is the industry an important economic driver, but we are fostering the next generation of creatives by incentivising training and apprenticeship opportunities. We are committed to nurturing talent, supporting creative businesses and encouraging the creation of high-quality content that stands tall among other countries.”

Support service and supplier categories recognise Milford Haven firm’s work with outdoor events

RM TRAINING and Security Solutions Ltd has been shortlisted for two national honours at the Festival Supplier Awards 2026, placing the Pembrokeshire-based company among the top outdoor-event service providers in the UK.

The finalists were announced this week ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London. The annual event celebrates the teams and suppliers who deliver festivals and large-scale outdoor events across Britain.

RM Training and Security Solutions has been named a finalist in two categories — Best Support Service (Training) and Best Supplier — recognising its growing reputation for high-quality training provision, professional standards, and reliable on-the-ground event support.

Now in their eleventh year, the Festival Supplier Awards have become a staple of the industry calendar, providing a platform for companies to showcase innovation, specialist expertise and sector-leading achievements.

Event director Michelle Tayton said the standard of entries this year had been exceptional.

“Once again, we’ve been blown away by both the volume and calibre of entries for the Festival Supplier Awards,” she said. “Our finalists really highlight the creativity, capability and capacity that exists within the outdoor event industry. Making the shortlist is an achievement in itself and RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has been recognised for its hard work and ability to deliver.”

Entries are judged by a panel of high-profile industry professionals, including representatives from Live Nation, IMG, London Marathon Events, CarFest, Engine No.4, Stable Events, and other major UK organisers.

The ceremony and gala dinner will take place in London on Thursday, 29 January 2026.