Community
Council tax hike triggers surge in Pembrokeshire second homes for sale
The number of second homes for sale in Pembrokeshire has surged dramatically following a substantial council tax increase. New figures reveal that in July, there were 135 second homes listed for sale, a significant rise from just 38 in the same month last year, marking an increase of 255%.
This spike comes after Pembrokeshire County Council introduced a 200% council tax premium in April, effectively tripling the bills for second home owners. In response, many property owners have opted to put their homes on the market, with the number of listed second homes in the county rising by 97 in just 12 months. As of 1 July, the total number of second homes registered in the area has dropped slightly from 3,364 in 2023 to 3,271.
The Welsh Government’s recent policy changes have granted local authorities the power to charge up to 300% in council tax premiums on second homes, aiming to make housing more affordable for local residents. These measures have been particularly controversial in coastal and picturesque areas, where holiday homes are prevalent.
Neil Evans, owner of West Wales Properties estate agents, highlighted the significant impact of the council tax premium, especially in towns like St Davids and Newport. “We’re seeing properties come on the market at such a volume that I’ve never seen in 30 years,” he said. Evans noted that second home owners could easily relocate across the Severn Bridge, where such premiums do not apply, adding that the policy has also had a detrimental effect on the local holiday trade.
The issue of second homes has long been contentious in Wales, particularly in areas like Gwynedd, where the local council has been accused of “playing Russian roulette” by imposing a 250% council tax premium on second homes. Earlier this year, Gwynedd went a step further, requiring new second homes to obtain planning consent—a measure that will come into effect on 1 September.
Cyngor Gwynedd has justified these policies by citing the “huge housing crisis” in the area, with many young people supporting the move as they find themselves priced out of the housing market by wealthy second home owners. Other Welsh councils, including Anglesey and Conwy, have also implemented council tax premiums, albeit at lower rates of 100%. Ceredigion is set to increase its premium from 100% to 150% in 2025, while Carmarthenshire currently charges a 50% premium.
Campaigners like Hedd Ladd Lewis, who advocates for housing market reform, welcomed the increase in second homes on the market as a positive sign but remained sceptical about whether local residents could afford these properties. “What we have is an open market and local people who earn wages – on average around £28,000 a year – will not be able to compete [for houses],” he said. Living in Newport, where 30% of properties are second homes or holiday lets, Lewis called for a legal act to ensure that the local community has the right to buy homes.
However, Aled Thomas, a local Conservative councillor, opposed the council tax premium, warning that it could harm the local economy. “Tourism is one of the things that brings money into the economy, but people are going out of business because of these policies,” he said. Thomas argued that the solution lies in building more homes, criticising the local council for constructing only 20 to 30 houses over the past 30 years. “That is disgraceful,” he added.
Community
West Wales eco centre honoured with commemorative plaque
A NEW commemorative plaque is set to be unveiled in Newport, Pembrokeshire, celebrating a landmark achievement in the UK’s journey towards sustainable energy. The plaque, located on The Old School building on Lower St Mary Street, marks the site of the first and smallest commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the UK, which began feeding electricity into the national grid on 11th October 1996.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024, at 2:30 pm, and aims to honour the contributions of the West Wales Eco Centre, a pioneering charity that was once housed in this building. Established in 1980, the Eco Centre played a crucial role in promoting innovative solutions to combat climate change long before they became mainstream.
In addition to installing the groundbreaking solar PV panels, the Centre was instrumental in launching several other forward-thinking initiatives. These included the UK’s first bulk purchase insulation scheme and the establishment of West Wales’ first bottle bank. The Centre was also a hub for environmental education and provided energy advice, helping to raise awareness of climate change challenges. It trained and employed local individuals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues.
The people of Newport and the wider Pembrokeshire area take great pride in the legacy of the West Wales Eco Centre, which stood at the forefront of environmental activism and education. The plaque serves not just as a marker of past achievements, but as an enduring reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Following the unveiling, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and thank those who were involved in these pioneering efforts. Tea and cake will be provided at the Golden Lion, bringing the community together in celebration of this significant milestone in the history of sustainable energy in the UK.
Community
UK’s favourite childhood holiday spots include Tenby
NEW research has uncovered the most beloved childhood holiday destinations across the UK, with many Britons returning to their nostalgic haunts well into adulthood.
A survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk found that 68% of respondents had revisited their childhood staycation spots as adults, making an average of 4.5 return trips. For over half of those polled, these cherished locations held a special place in their hearts, with 51% describing them as their “happy place”.
Topping the list of favourite childhood destinations was the picturesque Cornish town of St Ives, followed closely by Whitby in North Yorkshire and Weymouth in Dorset.Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, commented: “Our research shows that many of us keep these childhood memories close for life, even bringing our families along for the adventure in the future.”The study also revealed the enduring appeal of these destinations beyond the peak summer season.
In St Ives, visitors can enjoy the town’s artistic heritage at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate St Ives during the quieter months. Whitby comes alive in autumn with its famous goth festival and ghost tours, while Weymouth offers brisk walks along its golden beaches and exploration of the historic Nothe Fort.
Other popular childhood haunts included Tenby in Pembrokeshire, known for its colourful harbour and Blue Flag beaches, and Cromer in Norfolk, famed for its traditional pier and delicious crab dishes.Brixham in Devon and Seahouses in Northumberland rounded out the top destinations, offering family-friendly attractions and opportunities for wildlife spotting even in the off-season.Keary added: “Although the winter seasons can be quieter for some popular destinations, especially seaside towns, the new seasons bring a completely different perspective to the areas, with activities you are likely to experience in the summer months.”This research highlights the lasting impact of childhood holidays on British travellers, with many choosing to recreate fond memories by returning to their favourite spots year after year.
Community
Poignant Lancaster Relic donated to Heritage Centre, honoring local WWII hero
A WARTIME Pembrokeshire airman is especially remembered in this the 80th anniversary year of D-Day thanks to a unique and poignant donation to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.
Trevor Hordley of Pembroke Dock was the pilot of a Lancaster bomber shot down over France in July 1944, soon after the D-Day invasion of Occupied Europe. A section of metal from his aircraft was secreted away from the occupying German forces and in 2013 was given to members of Trevor’s family attending commemorative events held annually in the French community of Serifontaine, near Beauvais.
Five of the Lancaster’s crew, including Trevor, are buried in a Beauvais cemetery.
Now, 11 years on, Trevor’s daughter, Christine – who was born after her father was killed – has donated the relic to the Heritage Centre.
Trevor’s niece and nephew, Pauline Cole and Peter Hordley, were joined by family members when they presented the metal section to the Centre’s team on Christine’s behalf.
Efforts are already underway to try and identify where the piece came from on a Lancaster. Plans are to exhibit it alongside an existing information panel telling Trevor Hordley’s story. He was one of over 55,000 Bomber Command aircrew lost on operations in World War II.
The family have also donated the wartime suitcase and other items belonging to Pauline and Peter’s father, Roy Hordley – one of the three brothers who went to war from their home in Pembroke Dock. Only two returned.
-
Health3 days ago
Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock
-
Health3 days ago
Ambulance error admitted in 999 call before Pembrokeshire mother’s death
-
Crime6 days ago
Man arrested following violent Incident in Pembroke Dock
-
Community2 days ago
Affordable homes plans for fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel site
-
Crime1 day ago
Victim left unconscious after unprovoked attack in Haverfordwest
-
Education6 days ago
Whitland School goes into lockdown following threats to pupils
-
Crime5 days ago
Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned
-
Crime3 days ago
Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards faces sentencing over indecent images