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Serenity Gardens wedding venue ordered to close after losing planning battle

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A POPULAR wedding venue near Tenby has been ordered to close after losing a major planning appeal, leaving couples facing uncertainty and financial loss.

Serenity Gardens, also known as Redberth Gardens, has been operating as a wedding and events site with tipis, gazebos, decking and other permanent structures. Pembrokeshire County Council issued an enforcement notice last year, arguing that the business was running without the correct planning permission and had caused harm to the countryside and nearby protected habitats.

Owners Rhys Owain Lloyd and Carys Elin Mair Davies challenged the notice and also sought retrospective planning permission to retain the venue. However, a Welsh Government inspector dismissed both appeals on March 20, 2025.

The ruling means the venue must permanently cease hosting weddings and events and remove all associated structures – including tipis, a gazebo, toilet block, car park, decking and fencing – within six months.

The inspector accepted that Serenity Gardens brought economic benefits and provided a high-quality venue but found these did not outweigh the harm to the open rural landscape and the potential impact on the nearby Wyndrush Pastures Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Couples affected

The decision has left couples who had booked weddings at the site worried about their big day. On social media, some reported struggling to get clarity on refunds or alternative arrangements.

Lauren Jenkins, who had booked Serenity Gardens for her wedding, told The Herald: “I only found out through a Facebook group that Serenity Gardens had lost its planning appeal. Other brides are already trying to get their money back, and it has been really stressful for everyone. When we viewed in April, we were told everything was in hand.”

The Herald understands that several couples are now considering legal steps to recover deposits and payments worth thousands of pounds.

Owner’s response

Speaking to The Herald, owner Rhys Lloyd said the business was continuing to operate while the case progressed further through the appeals process.

“We were disappointed by the Inspector’s decision,” he said. “However, it is important to note that of the six elements of our original application that were refused, four have since been overturned by the Welsh Government. We are currently appealing the remaining two elements.”

Asked whether weddings would still take place during the compliance period, he added: “Yes, events are continuing. We have a limited number of weddings booked and are in direct communication with all our couples to ensure they are fully informed and supported throughout this process.”

Rumours on social media suggested structures had been sold or removed from the site. Mr Lloyd rejected this, telling The Herald: “No structures have been sold off from Serenity Gardens. Some nearby cottages have been sold by their individual owners, but these have never been part of our business. All existing wedding packages remain unchanged.”

He also criticised the role of the local authority. “We have had minimal engagement from the council, which has been disappointing. From the beginning, we have found them largely uncooperative, despite the enormous impact tourism and leisure businesses have faced in the past 18 months. While they refused parts of our application, the Welsh Government has already overturned several of those decisions.”

In a message to couples and the wider community, Mr Lloyd added: “Stories like these can cause unnecessary distress for brides, grooms, suppliers and staff. We have invested everything into the venue and are working tirelessly to secure its future through the appeals process. We want to thank all the couples who have stood by us and the local and national suppliers who continue to support us.”

Background

The row over Serenity Gardens stretches back more than a year. In April 2024, Pembrokeshire County Council refused retrospective planning permission for the tipi wedding venue at Redberth Gardens. Despite that refusal, weddings went ahead at the site in May and June 2024. At the time, The Herald reported that Mr Lloyd and Ms Davies were advertising ceremonies and events without the necessary approvals.

The council confirmed last summer that the venue was not licensed for legal marriage ceremonies, meaning any weddings were “non-legal” and conducted by independent celebrants. Officials also warned they were considering formal enforcement action. That action came the following month, with the enforcement notice issued in July 2024.

A separate application to use a holiday cottage at the site for occasional weddings was refused on October 10, 2024, with planners citing concerns over its location “not within or immediately adjoining a settlement” and the lack of any justification for a countryside venue.

The appeals process has now ended in defeat for the owners, with the Welsh Government upholding the council’s case in March 2025.

What happens next

The enforcement notice gives the owners until September 2025 to comply. Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that if the requirements are not met, the case could be escalated to the High Court.

 

Business

205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners

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A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.

The works were completed back in 2019.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”

It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.

The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.

“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”

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

 

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Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

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WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

 

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Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

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A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

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

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

 

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