News

Pembrokeshire ‘party house’ became ‘mini-Butlins on a residential estate’

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE coast ‘party’ house had “bit-by-bit” moved from a property to “a commercial mini-Butlins on a residential estate,” national park planners heard.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, at their October meeting, were recommended to approve retrospective plans, submitted by BDS Contracts Ltd, to divide 7 Holbrook Close, Broad Haven, in to two properties, after work started in 2021.

The application was submitted following enforcement reports and investigations into what has been described as a “party house,” which had the potential to have as many as 17 people staying at any one time.

A report for planners said the property had moved from conventional designations of C3 (dwelling house), C5 (second home) and C6 (short-term commercial let) to a ‘sui generis’ class of its own.

“Officers of the authority consider that based on the way in which the property has been operating since 2020 as evidenced by adverts on Airbnb and complaints from neighbouring properties, there has been an unauthorised material change of use from C3/C5/C6 use to a Sui Generis party house use.”

Speaking at the meeting, local resident Shirley Norman said the property had “bit-by-bit” become a “party house,” after an initial 2016 application for a swimming pool and garage extension, later sleeping 12 and then 16, and then a “party house for 17 unsupervised people”.

She said Airbnb guest can invite any number of others to use the facilities, with the “large pool, sound system, synchronised flashing lights and hot tub,” amongst the many facilities which included an outdoor cinema.

She described 7 Holbrook Close as “a commercial mini-Butlins on a residential estate, rain or shine, night and day,” with “no other letting property of this size and enormous scale anywhere in The Havens”.

“It is not the place for a large tourist business catering for far too many people in holiday mode. If this business is allowed to continue, I fear it will only be the beginning of a new trend on our estate.”

Councillor Reg Owens expressed his sympathy for the residents, moving the recommendation be approved, in the hope of alleviating the issues.

He was overwhelmingly supported by fellow committee members, Cllr Tony Wilcox saying: “Now at least we have got some semblance of control over this,” adding that residents should continue to report any further incidents to relevant authorities.

Members backed the subdivision, on the condition that one of the properties and the pool could only be used for residential purposes, and the two properties were not allowed to be used as a single facility again.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

3 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge after series of offences in Haverfordwest

Published

4 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A YOUTH has been given a conditional discharge after admitting a series of offences in Haverfordwest, including assault, shop theft and interfering with motor vehicles.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences took place over a number of days in December 2025.

The court was told that on Saturday (Dec 6), the youth assaulted another child by beating them during an incident in the town. On the same date, they also stole two cans of Red Bull worth £5.40 from Tesco.

Further offences were committed on Tuesday (Dec 9), when the youth interfered with multiple vehicles at a vehicle repair workshop at Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven. The offences involved attempts to interfere with vehicles with the intention of theft.

The youth appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where guilty pleas were entered to all matters.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for each offence, taking into account the early guilty pleas.

The court also ordered the youth to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £5.40 in compensation to Tesco. No order for costs was made due to the financial circumstances involved.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Local Government

New mayor-elect announced for Haverfordwest

Published

7 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed its new Mayor-Elect, with Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner set to take on the role later this year.

In a statement, he said he was “honoured” to accept the nomination, describing it as a moment that will stay with him forever.

He also highlighted the significance of the appointment, saying he is set to become the town’s first mayor of colour and the youngest in a century.

The councillor said the role represents more than a personal achievement, adding that it reflects “progress, representation, and the power of community.”

His official mayor-making ceremony is expected to take place in May.

The Mayor-Elect said: “Haverfordwest is the best in the West – and together, we are just getting started.”