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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

Tudor Glen Caravan Park Pembrokeshire planning call

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A CALL for a Pembrokeshire caravan site to be allowed static caravans in lieu of touring ones, which the applicant says was allowed back in 1988, has been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Keith Stevens of Tudor Glen Caravan Park, Jameston, through agent Lambe Planning & Design Ltd, seeks a certificate of lawfulness of an existing use of the site to establish the status of a 1988 planning permission.

Essentially what that means is the applicant is seeking confirmation of details of that permission as to whether it includes static or touring caravans.

A supporting statement says: “Tudor Glen Caravan Park is a long-established family owned and operated Holiday Park. The Park extends to approximately six acres and caters for families within static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

“The Park is exceptionally well run and achieved the 2025 runner up award for Best Family Campsite South Wales. The Park has a range of modern purpose-built facilities including a heated swimming pool, laundrette, dedicated play area, games room and full amenity facilities.”

Covering the 1988 approval of removing two previous conditions connected to the site, granting permission for up to 50 caravans and occupancy of March 1 to January 9, it says: “It does not stipulate that the caravans must be removed from the site during the ‘close period’ as would be the case if the consent related to touring caravans,” adding: “It is therefore clear that the intentions of that planning application and the consent granted relates to the siting of up to 50 caravans and not specifically touring caravans.

“If that consent were to be partially restricted to touring, a touring condition would have been imposed and / or a condition requiring that the caravans must be removed from the site during a close period – it doesn’t.”

It concludes: “Whilst the park has been operated on the basis of providing both Static Caravan and Touring Caravan Pitches, [the 1988] Planning Approval clearly gives permission for any type of caravan which complies with the Legal Definition of a Caravan.

“That permission does not restrict the type of unit to either static or touring caravans and does not restrict the layout of the holiday park it is therefore concluded that [the 1988 permission] allows for the siting of any unit which complies with the legal definition of a caravan, and does not restrict the layout or location of the units.

“The applicant therefore seeks confirmation from the LPA to that effect via this Certificate of Lawful (proposed) Use application.”

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

 

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Business

Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused

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A CALL for an extra sign advertising a Pembrokeshire holiday park, adding to exiting unauthorised ones, which planners say would create “visual clutter and intrusion” and a distraction to drivers, has been refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, permission was sought, through Lakeside Signs Limited, for an additional sign advertising Haven’s Lydstep Beach Village, near Tenby, the sign proposed for North Lodge where the holiday park joins the main road.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways authority raised no concerns regarding the specific location of the sign, but said “there remains a broader concern regarding the cumulative impact of signage along this section of highway,” adding: “The increasing proliferation of signs in this location has the potential to create a visually cluttered environment, which may distract drivers and, in turn, give rise to road safety implications.”

A Park officer report recommending refusal said: “Currently, there are eight flagpoles, one A-frame banner type sign, one pole mounted panel sign, and a further panel sign, located behind the stone wall on the western side of the park’s entrance. None of these advertisements have the benefit of advertisement consent.”

It added: “The increasing number of signs in this location has the potential to create a distraction to drivers, which may result in road safety implications. In addition, the proliferation of signage would create clutter that would result in visual intrusion in this countryside location affecting amenity. As such, the recommendation is to refuse.”

It went on to say: “Whilst it is not deemed that the proposed advertisement would result in harm being caused to the specific special qualities of this area, there are concerns that the display of this advertisement would, along with the remainder of the advertisements, which are unauthorised, result in a proliferation of advertisements, which in turn would cause visual clutter and intrusion.

“This is especially problematic in a countryside location where development is strictly controlled. Should the existing signage be consolidated and rationalised, the Authority may support the proposed sign, however, currently, any additional signage would not be deemed appropriate.”

The application was refused on the grounds that it would, along with the exiting signage, “result in visual clutter and intrusion which would detract from the visual amenity of this countryside location, and would result in potential distraction to drivers, which in turn would rise to road safety implications”.

 

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Business

The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot

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SAUNDERSFOOT’S Coal Building interpretation centre could soon host the third store for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd, in plans before the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd seeks a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

While no supporting statement has yet been published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application says the scheme would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

It says the proposed site is currently a mixed-use retail and gift shop, having previously been used as office space.

It adds: “This is a space within a building that is still trading, the space we are wanting a change of use was last used by Persimmon Homes as an office space.”

Of the scheme itself it says it will involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.

If approved, the Saundersfoot site would be the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

After that store opened following redevelopment of Newport’s Victorian market, Craig Taylor, of The Cheesecake Guy, said: “We are very excited to be part of the new development in Newport Market alongside some other amazing small businesses.

“We feel this is definitely the next step in the right direction after our Merthyr Tydfil store taking off so well.”

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

The Saundersfoot proposal will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

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