A FORMER Pembrokeshire county councillor who owns many hostelries in the county has been given the thumbs-up for plans to rejuvenate a “tired” seaside village pub.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Mike Evans of Harbwr Brewery, a former county councillor and national park authority member, sought a partly retrospective permission for works at the Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot.

The works include proposed internal alterations to the basement and ground floor, a new rear balcony area to replace the existing one, improvements to the front facade, a change of use of shop space to food/drink, and installation of seating booths in the rear garden.

It says the changes proposed will increase the number of staff employed to 15 full time and 10 part-time.

No objections to the proposal were raised by local community council Saundersfoot.

A supporting statement through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect, says the 19th Century pub “has endured many alterations during its lifetime and at present it needs improvements to echo the recent upgrading of the village, both in the general tourism support facilities, as well as the new innovative harbour development,” with the  appearance and interior facilities “tired” and needing “works both inside and outside to enable the inn to achieve and provide the high levels of cuisine and facilities now expected”.

It added: “The Inn has been purchased by a local company who have a number of establishments within Saundersfoot and Tenby. The company is owned by local people, they use local produce, they employ local labour and work actively with local communities to achieve the high standards expected.”

It went on to say: “The rear ‘beer garden’ will be improved to allow more space and comfortable seating areas. The applicant is well known for the extensive use of external plotted plants in open areas at their establishments and the garden area will give the opportunity of using such to soften the garden area whilst giving greater habitat opportunities for birds and insects.”

There were initial objections from the Park’s buildings conservation officer who considered the proposed front elevation of the building “out of character and inappropriately grandiose,” and by four members of the public to some of the parts of the design, a 2025 application being withdrawn early that year.

Since then, amended and simplified plans were later submitted, with no subsequent objections by the officer or members of the public received.

An officer report recommending approval said: “The existing shopfront exhibits traditional and appropriate architectural detail and the proposed scheme replicates this character for all three door openings in the front elevation.

“This removes the less favourable 20th century elements and enhances the appearance and character of the building overall. The proposed scheme for the rear of the building alters the window design and enlarges the openings to enable sliding doors, in addition to an enlarged terrace, new balustrading and steps. This aspect of the proposal is considered to improve the appearance of the building when viewed from the Wales Coast Path or wider beach.”

It finished: “The revised design approach is considered to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of Saundersfoot Conservation Area and will improve elements of the existing building, whilst respecting the special qualities of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

NATURE-LOVERS in west Wales are being invited to take part in a week of wildlife, gardening and climate-focused activities next month.

The Big Green Week on the St Davids Peninsula will run from Saturday, June 6, to Sunday, June 14, with events led locally by volunteer group EcoDewi.

The programme includes nature walks, moth watching, willow weaving, community gardening, wildlife workshops, a cathedral service and a garden trail.

Events begin with a “Moth breakfast” in Trefin, including a talk by Dr William Wint on British moths, followed by a family activity day at the new Community Green at Maes Glasfryn.

St Davids Cathedral will host a Big Green Service at 4:00pm on Sunday, June 7, while a willow weaving workshop will take place the following day in the community garden.

Other highlights include a Rebel Botanists Walk at St Davids airfield, a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, gardening sessions at Erw Dewi and Caeriad, and a Wildlife Day at Oriel y Parc.

The week will close with a walking trail giving visitors the chance to explore more than 25 private gardens in St Davids.

The Great Big Green Week is organised nationally by The Climate Coalition and led in Wales by Climate Cymru. It aims to celebrate local action on climate change and nature recovery.

Most events are free, although donations are welcomed.

EcoDewi is run by volunteers and works across the St Davids Peninsula on projects including beach cleans, tree planting, wildflower meadows, community gardens and the Peninsula food market.

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.