Business

Serenity Gardens wedding venue ordered to close after losing planning battle

Published

4 months ago

August 21, 2025

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

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

8 hours 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

19 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

23 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):