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St Davids: Backlash to Premier Inn plans from locals

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‘An opportunity that should not be missed’: Applicants put plans on display in St Davids

PROPOSALS for a major hotel and affordable housing development in St Davids are to go on display this weekend (May 19–20).

The proposed development, which would be sited on land off Glasfryn Road, would feature a 63–bedroom Premier Inn and up to 75 new homes.

The applicants behind the project – St Davids Peninsular Community Land Trust, Swangate Developments and Pembrokeshire Housing Association – have suggested that the hotel would add to the town’s economy by increasing visitor accommodation choice and creating around 20 new jobs.

This aspect of the development however, has already come under fire from local residents and visitors, with an online petition titled ‘NO to Premier Inn in St Davids’ having reached nearly 700 signatures at the time of writing.

Those behind the project are encouraging local residents and businesses to attend the public exhibition at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre to learn more about the proposals and contribute to the public consultation, which is taking place ahead of a planning application being submitted.

The applicants intend to submit a planning application later this summer.

Bill Preece, who is leading the proposals for St Davids Community Land Trust, said: “Creating more than 70 new homes on Glasfryn Road is a significant opportunity for St Davids given the shortage of new and affordable homes in the area.

“We have been promoting the site for many years and now have a proposal that is achievable and will make a meaningful contribution to the local housing supply. It is an opportunity that should not be missed.”

The proposals for the housing development are said to include a combination of rented and affordable shared–equity housing, as well as open market properties.

Group Property Services Director at Pembrokeshire Housing Association, Nigel Sinnett, said: “Delivering affordable homes is a serious challenge in Pembrokeshire. With high land values it is often very difficult to make developments financially viable.

“The proposed mix of rented properties, shared equity homes and properties for private sale ensures the development can proceed and will bring much needed new homes on an allocated and accessible site. It will enable families to stay in the local area.”

Public opposition however, would appear firmly aimed at the Premier Inn aspect of the development, as opposed to the housing.

In raising concerns over how the hotel could ‘pave the way for more big chains’, which could destroy ‘independently run businesses’, a spokesperson for the ‘NoPi’ petition said: “Premier Inn won’t support local businesses, it will undermine them.

“The land being sold to Premier Inn is privately owned by someone outside of Pembrokeshire. None of the funds raised will go towards the housing, swimming pool, or back into the community.”

They continued: “Premier Inn are part of a large multinational company. This development could potentially pave the way for more big chains within our beautiful city, destroying independently run businesses and threatening our cultural identity.”

The spokesperson concludes by drawing on the Pembrokeshire National Park Local Development Plan 2010–2021, adding: “The City’s role as an attractive historic centre is protected and enhanced and the hotel and guest house accommodation is adequate to serve the needs of visitors.”

The proposed site is located to the north–west of Glasfryn Road.

According to the applicants, the Premier Inn would be positioned to the east of the site, facing onto Glasfryn Road and the A487, while the new homes would be located to the west and south.

Three accesses are proposed to the site, two from Glasfryn Road and one from the A487.

Acquisition Manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, Nick Johnston, stated that the proposed ‘lay out separates the hotel from the new homes’, while the elevations of the hotel have been ‘broken up […] to ensure it suits its surroundings’.

Representatives from the joint applicants, as well as Premier Inn and the ‘technical team’ will be present at the exhibition.

Exhibitions will take place on Friday (May 19) between 2pm and 7pm and on Saturday (May 20) between 10am and 2.30pm. Feedback forms will be available at the exhibition.

A further round of statutory consultation will follow once a planning application has been submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Details of the plans are now available via the website, www.glasfrynroadplans.co.uk.

Feedback can be submitted via the online form or by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call 0808 168 8296.

The petition can be found here.

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Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

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SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

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Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

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ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

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Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

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ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.

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