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Grove of Narberth, one of UK’s best hotels, to expand

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An AWARD-winning Pembrokeshire restaurant/hotel whose buildings date back to the 18th century has been given permission for a three-storey extension by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Neil Kedward of Grove Hotel, Molleston, near Narberth sought permission for the extension, which includes staff facilities and additional bedrooms.

The Grade-II-listed boutique country house hotel/restaurant, isset in a 26-acre estate, with the main phases of the house from the 15th century, 18th and 19th (domestic Gothic by architect John Pollard Seddon) with sympathetic Arts and Crafts style extensions constructed in the 21st century.

The Grove has won many awards and recommendations; these include being listed in the 2024 Michelin Guide as an outstanding place to stay in Great Britain and gaining 13th spot in TripAdvisor’s ‘World’s Best Small and Boutique Hotel’ category in its ‘Best Places to Stay in the World for 2024’ awards.

A supporting statement accompanying the application for the extension, by agent Acanthus Holden Architects, said the earliest record of a house at The Grove dates to 1670, with the existing housing going back to the 1740s, extended in 1870-1874 by the architect John Pollard Seddon.

Ten years ago, the Grove was restored and opened as a luxury hotel, the statement says, adding: “A new west wing, sympathetic to Seddon’s design was built to accommodate a restaurant and additional bedrooms. The Coach House, Longhouse and Grove Cottages were also renovated as hotel suites.”

Detailing the extension, it says: “The extension has been designed so that it sits comfortably alongside the existing bedroom and restaurant extension, using the same materials for the wall and roof finishes, and a similar style of windows. However, the overall aesthetic of the new block has been designed to give a more stable block feel with the parapet walls and corbelling details to the gables which distinguishes it from the main hotel.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The extension to the hotel would have positive social impacts through the offer of additional accommodation within the locality as well as improved facilities for the existing staff. There would be positive economic impacts through expenditure from guests as well as from labour and building materials in the construction phase.”

It adds: “The proposed extension is located on the southern (rear) elevation of the hotel and would appear as an enlargement of a recently constructed rear wing. The extension is of an acceptable form and scale and utilises careful arts and crafts inspiring detailing. The extension would not alter the principal North entrance front or the building setting within the site and surrounding area.”

The application was conditionally approved by planning officers.

 

Business

New facilities at Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club agreed

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A CALL by a Pembrokeshire shooting club for more disability-friendly facilities has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club, through agent Andrew Sutton Architecture, sought permission for an extension to existing target shooting club building at The Firing Range, Withybush Road, Haverfordwest to improve accessibility and internal facilities, together with associated landscaping works.

A supporting statement said: “The club’s own published history states it was founded in 1968, moved from the Drill Hall to the old wartime airfield butts at Withybush by the early 1970s, and had developed facilities over time, including the clubhouse by 1999. The established leisure/community use has existed on the site for a number of years and the proposal does not seek to intensify the core activity beyond that already authorised/established.”

It added: “The primary objective of the scheme is to improve inclusive access to the club’s facilities for disabled users and those with reduced mobility. The internal arrangement will provide adequate entrance and lobby space, clear accessible routes and appropriately designed sanitary accommodation, including an accessible wetroom/shower and separate WC.”

It also said accessible parking and surfacing designed to provide a firm, even, slip-resistant route from parking to the principal entrance.

It added: “The Equality Act 2010 places duties on service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that people with additional access needs are not placed at a substantial disadvantage.

“The proposal is therefore a positive enhancement to a community/leisure facility and supports wider policy objectives for inclusive environments.”

It went on to say: “The club operates within a highly controlled environment, and the proposed works will maintain and enhance safety and security measures.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

 

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Business

St Davids GP surgery plans lodged with national park

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PLANS to convert a former GP surgery in Pembrokeshire’s only city to a home and holiday let have been lodged with the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Alice and Danjal Joensen, through agent Oochitecture, seek permission for a change of use of the ground floor of the former GP surgery, Eryl Mor, 36, New Street, St Davids, merging with the existing first-floor apartment to create a larger single dwelling house, along with the creation of an attached short-term holiday let.

The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured.

A supporting statement says, prior to being a GP surgery, the two storey element was a single dwelling house.

It adds: “The house would consist of an open plan kitchen-living space to the ground floor, along with a study, lounge and utility room. The first floor includes four double bedrooms with ensuite and main bathroom.

“The new unit of accommodation would form a holiday-let with two double bedrooms, shower room, and an open plan kitchen-living space.

“The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured, therefore the proposed change of use will provide a viable long-term future use for the property.”

It says minimal external alterations are proposed to the property with existing entrances utilised for both the main house and holiday-let, adding: “The existing concrete ramp to the front elevation will be retained with proposed works including extending the upper level and steps to provide a connection to the front door, allowing for accessible entrance to the property.

“There will be no changes to vehicular or pedestrian access, with the site continuing to be accessed via the existing entrance from New Street. Parking will be provided for the main house and holiday-let on the existing tarmac driveway off New Street.”

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

 

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Business

Cardigan bakery named among best in UK

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A CARDIGAN bakehouse has been named among the best bakeries in the UK as interest in “bakery tourism” continues to rise.

Bara Menyn, a small family-run bakehouse tucked away in a side street in Cardigan, has been highlighted by travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk as one of the bakeries worth making a trip for.

The name Bara Menyn means “bread and butter” in Welsh, and the bakery has built a reputation for imaginative bakes, pizzas and seasonal produce.

Laura Kerslake, regional expert for Wales, said: “Bara Menyn is how you say ‘bread and butter’ in Welsh and the name of the small family bakehouse that is hidden down a side street in Cardigan, West Wales.

“It’s open three days a week so that the owners can fit the bakehouse around family life and their careers as artists.

“The family’s artistic flair can be seen in all the imaginative fillings and toppings on the bakes and pizzas served, which are also made using local, seasonal produce.”

The listing comes as the UK sees growing interest in independent bakeries, with spending on bakery goods reported to have risen by six per cent from 2025 to 2026.

Research also suggests that many people are now willing to travel for regional food experiences, from traditional cakes to artisan bread and pastries.

Two other Welsh bakeries were also highlighted: Little Valley Bakery, which has sites in Mumbles and Brynmill, and was recently named in the Good Food Guide’s 50 Best Bakeries 2026; and another Welsh entry included in the travel company’s wider list.

For Cardigan, the recognition adds to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for independent food, drink and creative businesses.

 

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