Business

Gin distillery and B&B in St Davids expected to be refused

Published

1 month ago

October 13, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

Resubmitted plans for a gin distillery in the centre of Britain’s smallest city which objectors fear “could result in death, injuries and large-scale damage to property” are expected to be refused by Pembrokeshire national park next week.

Last October, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, refused an application by Mr N Walsh for a change of use of the exiting guest house at St Davids Distillery, Restaurant & Rooms, 11-13 Nun Street, St Davids to include the bar/restaurant and distillery.

The plans for the Grade II-listed property had drawn 23 responses of concern, including intensification of use from the bar, impacts on local amenity, and Health and Safety concerns about the installation of a still and the use of ethanol, with fears of a fire and explosion risk.

The scheme – supported by St David’s City Council – was partly retrospective as the gin still had been installed, but was not currently in use, in the distillery sited below existing bedrooms at the guesthouse.

The latest application, a mixed used of 11-13 Nun Street as a bed and breakfast and housing part of a gin distillery plant required for processing gin distillations for St Davids Distillery, is again recommended for refusal.

It is proposed that the ethanol and botanicals would be stored off-site and brought onto the premises only when distilling is taking place; 30 days of any 12-month calendar year, and that the property would not be offering accommodation for guests on these days.

An officer report says: “This application seeks consent for the mixed use of the premises as bed and breakfast and gin distillery. Whilst the description given by the applicant refers to ‘part of the gin distillery plant’ being housed at the premises, it is considered that since the gin still is the crucial element required for the process of gin distillation, the application does seek consent for a gin distillery.”

It added: “There are a number of mitigation measures suggested in order to minimise the risk associated with the use of ethanol at this site.

“However, the measures required to control these measures would not, in the opinion of the authority, be reasonable, practical or enforceable. As a result, the proposal would be inappropriate, and as such, a recommendation to refuse planning permission is made.”

There were also 14 letters of objection to the proposals, raising concerns including it “could result in death, injuries and large-scale damage to property” and “The site is not suitable for producing and storing inflammable materials,” traffic, noise and lack of privacy, and other industrial settings in and around St Davids that could be used for housing the distillery.

The report adds: “It is recognised that it would be possible for the Authority to apply a condition restricting the use of the still to the hours, and amount of days per calendar year as suggested by the planning statement, however officers have a fundamental concern regarding the reasonableness and enforceability of any such conditions since they would require the B&B to provide details of all bookings, and inspections to be carried out by officers.”

The application is recommended for refusal at the October 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee on grounds it would introduce a use that was “incompatible with its location and a design which does not adequately address matters of health,” and “the proposed development would result in harm being caused to residential amenity due to the requirement of planning conditions which would be considered unenforceable and impracticable”.

Business

Deposit Return Scheme diversion ‘illogical’ says Pembrokeshire brewery

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

TENBY HARBOUR BREWERY and local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz have urged the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision to withdraw from a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to its insistence on including glass.

Earlier this week, Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies announced that the Welsh Government would no longer participate in the development of a UK-wide DRS, citing issues arising from the UK Internal Market Act 2020. This decision is believed to be influenced by the Welsh Government’s plan to include glass in its scheme—a factor that contributed to the collapse of Scotland’s DRS in 2023.

The move has been met with frustration and anger from numerous organisations, who argue that this divergence will increase costs for Welsh producers and consumers.

Commenting on the matter, Samuel Kurtz said: “This decision is deeply frustrating, and to diverge from a UK-wide scheme shows that it is not one made with the best interests of Welsh consumers and producers at its core.

“The UK market is so interlinked that any decision which places Welsh businesses at a competitive disadvantage should not proceed. These calls from a range of industry and business representatives have been ignored by the Welsh Government.

“For the sake of our businesses and consumers, I urge the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision, align itself with the UK-wide scheme, and provide proper support to Welsh businesses.”

Industries, especially the micro-brewery sector, would be especially hit hard in Wales by the Welsh Governments choice.

Speaking following this announcement, Richard Johnson, Head Brewer at Tenby Harbour Brewery said:

“The brewing industry has had to tread a path through covid lockdowns, energy price increases, a cost of living crisis and rising wage and national insurance bills, making it increasingly difficult for brewers get good returns and re-invest in their businesses.

“Wales is a recycling nation, so a blunt ‘one size fits all’ approach creates additional logistical and financial burdens on the smallest producers, when the very largest producers are generating the majority of the recycling demand.

“It also seems illogical to diverge away from a UK wide scheme which will put Welsh brewers and drinks producers at a disadvantage.

“The UK and Wales has a proud brewing heritage, but adding in measures such as DRS to small brewers means that their time and money are directed to these activities, instead of using their time for innovation and R&D, of which the UK brewing scene is known and revered for.”

Business

Bluestone crowned ‘Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodge Holidays’

Published

4 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BLUESTONE is celebrating a major win after being named the Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays at the prestigious British Travel Awards 2024.

The announcement was made at the prestigious awards ceremony this week, marking yet another significant achievement for the popular West Wales destination.

This award recognises Bluestone’s commitment to providing exceptional family holiday experiences at its 500-acre resort in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” said Bethan Rees, Head of Marketing at Bluestone. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who create magical and memorable experiences for families all year round. We are incredibly grateful to every single one of our guests who voted for us and who choose to visit us year on year.

“When you look at the array of other finalists, the award demonstrates why we’re so proud of winning it. This is due to our continued investment, team, and commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism.”

This award builds on Bluestone’s impressive track record. It has consistently received high praise for its family-friendly facilities, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to providing outstanding customer service. Earlier this year, Bluestone was again recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s top holiday destinations and the best rated in Wales.

The British Travel Awards are the largest consumer-voted awards programme in the UK. Winning this award highlights Bluestone’s position as a leader in the family holiday market and reinforces its reputation as a top choice for unforgettable family getaways.

Bluestone, which employs over 800 people and is one of the largest employers in West Wales, is also committed to investing in its people and local community. It provides extensive training and development through its People Services team and the Bluestone Academy. In addition, it supports a wide range of local projects and initiatives through the Bluestone Foundation.

Business

Ascona CEO honoured at 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Published

11 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ASCONA GROUP, the seventh-largest independent forecourt operator in the UK and one of Wales’ fastest-growing companies for the past three years, has achieved a significant milestone. Darren Briggs, CEO and founder, has been recognised at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, securing wins in two prestigious categories: ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ and the inaugural ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales.’

Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards highlight innovators and trailblazers shaping the UK economy. The newly introduced ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year’ award celebrates business leaders whose ventures align with the foundation’s mission to save lives, improve life chances, and positively impact local communities.

Pembrokeshire-based Ascona’s commitment to community support has been a cornerstone of its success. The company established The Ascona Foundation in 2020 and has since donated over £400,000 to local, national, and community organisations.

Reflecting on the achievement, Darren Briggs said:
“It is a great honour to be recognised with such prestigious awards at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

“I am incredibly proud of Ascona and everything we have achieved over the years. This is another milestone for our business and a testament to the hard work, commitment, and ethos of ‘Team Ascona.’

“However, I am most proud of our charitable endeavours and the team’s dedication to giving back. This year, we remain committed to our fundraising efforts, including our partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, as we continue to support the communities we serve.”

Since its founding, Ascona Group has focused on driving innovation in the forecourt sector while fostering community engagement. This dual commitment to growth and giving back has positioned the company as a leader in its field.

Ascona’s charitable initiatives have supported various causes, enhancing lives across Wales and beyond. Through partnerships with organisations such as Wales Air Ambulance, the Group continues to make a tangible difference.

Darren Briggs’ recognition at the awards underscores Ascona’s impact on both the business world and the communities it serves.