Business
Carmarthenshire approves adoption of ‘premiums’ on second homes and empty properties
IN RESPONSE to the need for more affordable housing in neighbouring Carmarthenshire, the county council there has confirmed it will introduce council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties. These will come into effect from April 1, 2024.
There are concerns at both a local and national level about the impact of second homes and empty properties on our communities.
The Council is working on increasing the provision of affordable housing in Carmarthenshire to bring long-term empty homes back into use and provide safe, secure and affordable homes that will enhance the sustainability of local communities.
A recent consultation drew responses from residents, second homeowners and owners of empty properties on proposals to introduce a Council Tax Premium on properties that are largely empty. The majority of respondents agreed that long-term empty property have a negative effect on local communities in Carmarthenshire.
Welsh Government research in 2021 indicated that second homes can increase local property prices by raising the demand for houses. Together with house price inflation, the clearest direct impact of second homes was to reduce the housing stock.
The Welsh Government announced a three-pronged approach to address what they call a second homes crisis.
- Support – addressing affordability and availability of housing,
- Regulatory framework and system – covering planning law and the introduction of a statutory registration scheme for holiday accommodation;
- A fairer contribution – using national and local taxation systems to ensure second home owners make a fair and effective contribution to the communities in which they buy.
The Government gives local authorities the power to charge, or vary, a council tax premium of up to 300% above the standard rate on second homes and long-term empty properties.
At present, the Council do not apply a council tax premium scheme; second homes and long–term empty properties are charged at the standard council tax rate.
Currently, half the local authorities in Wales apply a premium scheme with the level set by each authority varying from 25% to 100%.
Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny said: “There are over 800 second homes in Carmarthenshire and 1,800 houses that have been empty for at least over a year – and a number for many years. Both categories of properties have an adverse effect on local communities.
“The intention of introducing a premium on second homes and long term empty houses is to either encourage greater use of these properties, or ensure that their owners contribute more towards our communities.
“In the case of the long-term empty houses, they have a negative effect on streets, can be the target of vandalism, and are a waste of a resource.
“In our consultation, 61% of respondents agreed that long-term empty housing adversely affects local communities, and a majority agree with charging a premium.
“We intend to charge a 50% premium on houses that have been empty from one to two years, rising to 100% between two and five years, and 200% after five years.
“On the issue of second homes, the answer lies, in part, in the legislation passed by Welsh Government in 2014 which has recently been amended and strengthened. The legislation aims to ensure that second homes, which are holiday lets, either get quality use by being let for at least 182 days a year, which will boost the tourism industry – or that owners pay a premium on the council tax as a contribution towards alleviating the negative impact second homes can have.
“As a Council, we want to tackle this problem in a measured and reasonable way. We’re proposing to charge second homes a 50% premium to start, with a view to raising it to 100% in April 2025. In addition to the seven exemption classes, stipulated in the legislation, we will also consider any other valid reasons for exemptions.
“By the year 2025/26, the total premium for both classes could potentially raise anything up to £3m, or release houses to become homes for Carmarthenshire residents, depending on the response of owners. These additional funds would be a valuable contribution towards helping the County Council maintain essential services at a time of great financial pressure – although, I must emphasise, that the primary aim is to encourage better use of housing in our county.”
Business
Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged
A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.
In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.
A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.
“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.
“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.
“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”
It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.
“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.
“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”
The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.
Business
Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales
A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.
In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.
The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.
It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.
Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.
Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.
The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.
It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.
“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”
The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.
“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”
The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
Business
Herald expands sales team as Milford Haven growth drives demand
THE PEMBROKEHIRE HERALD is launching a recruitment drive to bring in two new sales executives as the newspaper continues to grow its commercial operations across the county.
The move comes as the Herald strengthens its position as the leading independent news platform in West Wales, with increasing demand from local businesses looking to advertise both in print and online.
The expansion is being driven in part by the rapid growth of Milford Haven and the wider energy sector, with major investment in green energy projects, port activity and associated industries creating new opportunities for local businesses.
As the area continues to develop as a key energy hub, more companies are seeking to reach customers, partners and the wider community through trusted local media.
The successful candidates will work directly with Pembrokeshire businesses, helping them promote their services to a growing audience through the Herald’s expanding digital reach and established print readership.
Editor Tom Sinclair said the recruitment reflects both the changing local economy and the Herald’s increasing audience.
He said: “Milford Haven is expanding rapidly, particularly with new energy and green projects coming forward, and that’s creating real opportunities for local businesses.
“At the same time, our audience continues to grow across both our website and social media platforms, meaning we can now offer advertisers a much bigger and more effective platform than ever before.”
The new roles will focus on building relationships with local firms, developing advertising campaigns, and identifying new opportunities across sectors including tourism, retail, trades, energy and professional services.
The Herald has continued to invest in its digital platforms, including Herald.Wales, alongside its well-established print edition, offering advertisers a multi-platform approach to reaching customers.
The recruitment drive also comes at a time when many local businesses are looking for cost-effective ways to promote themselves amid ongoing economic pressures.
Mr Sinclair added: “Local advertising matters. When businesses advertise locally, that money stays in the local economy. It helps create jobs, supports families and helps communities grow alongside the businesses within them.”
The roles are expected to appeal to motivated, target-driven individuals with strong communication skills and an interest in media, sales or marketing.
Both positions are based in Pembrokeshire, with opportunities for training and career progression within the Herald’s growing media group.
Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to email [email protected] with a CV and covering letter before Tuesday (Apr 1, 2026).
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