A PARTLY-retrospective application to upgrade a garden centre on the main road to Pembroke Dock has been submitted to Pembrokeshire planners.

In the application, submitted through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, Mr and Mrs Wainwright seek permission for upgrade of a garden centre with a relocated garden centre sales area, additional parking and the creation of ornamental pond and wildlife enhancement area (partly in retrospect) at Cosheston Garden Centre, Slade Cross, Cosheston.

The application is a resubmission of a previously refused scheme, with the retrospective aspects of the works starting in late 2023.

The site has a long planning history and started life as a market garden and turkey farm in the 1980s and then a number of applications for new development.

A supporting statement says the previously-refused application included setting aside a significant part of the proposed new building for general retail sales as a linked farm shop and local food store/deli in addition to a coffee bar.

It was refused on the grounds of “the proposal was deemed to be contrary to retail policies and the likely impact of that use on the vitality and viability of nearby centres,” the statement says, adding: “Secondly, in noting that vehicular access was off the A 477 (T) the Welsh Government raised an objection on the grounds that insufficient transport information had been submitted in respect of traffic generation and highway safety.”

It says the new scheme seeks to address those issues; the development largely the same with the proposed new garden centre building is now only proposed to accommodate a relocated garden centre display sales area rather than a new retail sales area with other goods, but retaining a small ancillary coffee bar area.

“Additional information, in the form of an independent and comprehensive Transport Statement, has now been submitted to address the objection raised by the Welsh Government in respect of highway safety,” the statement says.

It concedes: “It is acknowledged that both the creation of the ornamental pond and ‘overspill’ parking area do not have the benefit of planning permission and therefore these aspects of the application are ‘in retrospect’ and seeks their retention.”

It finishes: “Essentially, this proposal seeks to upgrade existing facilities and offer to the general public. It includes the ‘relocation’ of a previously existing retail display area which had been ‘lost’ to the ornamental pond/amenity area and to provide this use within the proposed new building and moves away from the previously proposed ‘farm shop’ idea which we thought had merit. This revised proposal therefore involves an ‘upgrading’ rather than an ‘expansion’ of the existing Garden Centre use.”

The proposals will be considered by county planners at a later date.

A RETROSPECTIVE scheme for works at a historic Pembrokeshire pub has been approved by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Chris Grey sought permission for retrospective works for additional shower/toilet facilities for the Speculation Inn public house and authorised Caravan & Camping Club, near Hundleton, and a replacement store.

A supporting statement through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said: “The premises has changed hands in recent years and the pub has been sensitively refurbished and the rear paddock operates under a Camping and Caravanning Club exemption and has proven very popular.

“The applicants seek two expansions, which are mainly in retrospect and relate to the following: Bespoke separate toilet / showers for the authorised campsite / tourer site. A small facility is available in the pub, however, this is not ideal for campers who need showers.

“Replacement of a corrugated building attached to the pub, which had collapsed, with a replacement store for the Speculation Inn and its various function.

“The toilets are positioned to the rear of the Speculation Inn and its beer garden and use an existing treatment plant and soakaways for roof water.”

It added: “It is the applicant’s intention to retain the current toilet/shower facilities offered to visitors who wish to park their caravans at the Speculation Inn Meadow certified site, or who have come with the intention of camping, and by expanding their offering with a further toilet / shower block, all being more appropriate for modern camping and caravanning client expectations and being Covid friendly.

“A new British Standard compliant package treatment plant with associated drainage fields is now installed ensuring that the clarified water will not cause diffuse water pollution (DWP) in the downstream water network.”

It concluded: “It already brings a benefit in regard to providing quality tourism operations with required enhanced facilities.”

No objections were received to the proposals, an officer report recommending approval said.

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

Wales could benefit from £3bn growth annually if indoor mobile dead zones were eliminated, survey finds.

RESEARCH from Freshwave, a connectivity infrastructure provider, highlights how improving indoor mobile coverage could significantly enhance productivity across Wales. According to the 2025 Freshwave Mobile Connectivity ROI Index, poor indoor mobile signal currently costs Welsh organisations an estimated £4bn every year, with businesses, hospitals, and public buildings suffering from inefficiencies caused by mobile blackspots.

The index reveals that 82% of Welsh organisations experience daily connectivity issues, which have a direct impact on both employee productivity and customer satisfaction. Survey respondents believe that resolving these connectivity problems could lead to a substantial 2.1% increase in Wales’ GDP—surpassing the UK-wide average of 1.6%.

In light of these findings, the Welsh Government’s Digital Strategy for Wales aims to use technology to improve lives and enhance productivity across the nation. This is particularly timely, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves has made economic productivity a key priority amid discussions of avoiding further tax increases.

Impact on Welsh businesses and public sector

Organisations with more than 100 employees are reporting that indoor mobile connectivity problems cost them an average of £143m annually, which translates to a collective £4bn loss across the Welsh economy. Respondents believe that improving mobile coverage—whether through 4G or 5G—would address these productivity barriers and contribute to significant efficiency gains. Many also anticipate higher budgets for mobile connectivity improvements, with 68% planning to increase their investments over the next two years.

CEO comments on the need for action

Simon Frumkin, CEO of Freshwave, explained: “The Welsh economy simply cannot afford to lose billions every year. Investments in digital infrastructure over the past decade have set the stage for progress. Now, we need to ensure that seamless mobile connectivity is available where it’s needed most. This could result in a £3bn boost to Welsh organisations.”

Frumkin added, “By working alongside mobile network operators, we can unlock the full economic potential of 4G and 5G connectivity, driving innovation and efficiency across all sectors.”

National context: Public sector hit hardest

Across the UK, the public sector is the most affected by indoor mobile connectivity issues, with losses of £46bn annually and missed opportunities worth £33bn. The professional and financial services sector also faces significant losses, amounting to £24bn annually, with potential gains of £17bn.

Notes to Editors
Research methodology: A survey of 900 senior IT decision-makers from medium and large organisations across the UK was conducted in December 2024. Participants represented sectors including government, healthcare, professional services, and more, with all respondents from organisations with over 100 employees and revenues exceeding £50 million.

About Freshwave: Freshwave is a connectivity infrastructure provider that simplifies digital infrastructure. Backed by DigitalBridge, Freshwave collaborates with mobile operators, governments, and real estate providers to ensure reliable connectivity across the UK. Visit www.freshwavegroup.com for more information.