Business

Tenby town centre spa hotel could be completed in 18 months

Published

8 months ago

April 11, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

APPROVED plans to change part of Tenby’s former town hall and market hall, and the nearby former TP Hughes department store to a spa hotel, restaurant and café could be completed in just 18 months despite concerns from local traders.

In an application recommended for conditional approval at the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Wil Crockford of Bassett Crockford Holdings Ltd sought permission for a change of use the former TP Hughes/ M&Co store and a part change of use of the council-owned market hall and former town hall to a spa hotel, restaurant and cafe/bar, with associated extensions and alterations at 12 High Street and Old Town Hall and Market Hall, Tenby.

The development for a new hotel extends across two buildings; the 20 hotel rooms will be located within the remaining upper floors of the existing M & Co buildings, and two new roof extensions in a mansard form to accommodate further hotel space.

The spa would be located at first floor level of the town hall aspect, and into the market’s first floor.

Further facilities in the form of a café will be linked to the hotel reception area at ground floor with additional toilet facilities and bicycle storage provided within the basement level. The proposed restaurant will be accommodated within the southern building.

The scheme was supported by Tenby Town Council, subject to conditions including the protection of existing market operations, and an agreed action plan for integration with potential refurbishment of the market, with Tenby Civic Society has raising concerns about the spa/fitness suite having an impact on the running of the market traders’ businesses.

Concerns have previously been raised about the impact on existing market traders during construction both in terms of noise and dust during works and a potential temporary market closure for construction work to be undertaken, with Cathy Butler speaking on their behalf at the April 9 meeting.

She said that while the market itself – believed to be the oldest in Wales – was flourishing despite the building being in need of renovation, there had been a lack of reassurance and feedback from the council, as landlords of the hall, as the proposed scheme progressed.

She stressed there was no objection to the neighbouring hotel but to the the potential impact on the market operations through the upstairs spa development.

“We’ve learned most of our news from the newspapers and we’re worried sick,” she told committee members, saying any impact on the market affected the “future of not just us but all our local suppliers as well”.

“Consider the small guy here; a spa is for the few, and the market for the many,” she added.

Agent Phil Davies told the committee there was no intention to disrupt the market, with the potential for putting that section of works on hold if there were any potential renovations to the hall through the council.

He said the whole scheme was expected to take 18 months to complete; the committee later hearing from local councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall that discussions were ongoing at council level with potential funding identified.

The application was given conditional delegated approval to senior park officers on completion of a S106 legal agreement to cover financial contributions.

A related listed building application was also granted delegated approval.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

14 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

15 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):