A SCHEME for a new adventure tourism hub in north Pembrokeshire has been given the go-ahead despite concerns raised about the potential impact on wildlife and local objections to the building to be used.

In an application before the October meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Adventure Beyond Ltd sought permission for an outdoor adventure centre, and associated works at The Old Bus Depot, Moylegrove.

The application has been before multiple meetings of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee; the plot originally used as a bus depot by the founder of the Richards Bros bus company.

Concerns have been raised about the scheme, including local community council Nevern, and opponents fear that increased business for adventure firms will worsen the plight of birds and animals including seals.

A number of letters of support have also been received saying it would provide support for the local tourist economy, protect local jobs, and redevelop a brownfield site.

The application was previously deferred at both the June and July meetings, the former for a site visit, and was latterly subject to a Welsh Government Holding Direction before it was decided it would not be ‘called-in’ for Welsh Government determination.

A report for Park members ahead of the October meeting said: “Through the application process a revised design has been submitted as an amendment which is considered to better respect the local vernacular of an edge of settlement development, and re-consultation has taken place.”

It added: “The amended design is considered to be appropriate as a response to the specific location and not to result in a development form which is visually intrusive.  The siting of the buildings is considered appropriate and not to result in a significant adverse impact on any neighbouring properties. 

“Whilst the use of the adventure centre will result in a greater level of trip generation than the existing vacant use of the land, it is recognised that national planning policy supports the appropriate redevelopment of previously developed land.

“The building has been described as overbearing due to its two-storey nature. The original building was single storey, built to be able to service buses, but did not have a first floor. This proposal originally comprised a much more industrial looking building with a low shallow pitched roof and a full first floor.

“The application was revised, with the request that the building be made a more traditional rural shape with the pitch of the first floor being more towards the eastern end of the site in order to minimise impacts on the adjacent residential properties.”

Recommending the scheme is supported the report said: “Overall, the proposal is considered to comply with relevant national and local planning policies and can be supported subject to the imposition of appropriate planning conditions.”

Nevern Communiuty Council, in its concerns has said: “We reflect the community’s concern about disturbance of Ceibwr Bay regarding nesting auks and seals.  The building is still far too high, the original building being 6.3 m, the proposed building 8.5 m, and due to the fact there is to be no art studio or commercial use of the upper storey, this could now be lowered to a reasonable height.

“Car parking has changed several times in a couple of months and not one of the plans reflects the fact that there is need for parking for vehicles with towing trailers.  Electric bikes are of a concern on the narrow lanes, up to 20 bikes on Ceibwr lane is dangerous.

“The traffic analysis was not done in the height of summer especially on warm days, which would reflect a more genuine result. Nevern Community Councillors have great concerns about this venture.”

One of those raising concerns at the meeting was local community councillor Richard George who said the scheme had regularly been before the committee, with “over 60 documents on this controversial development” submitted, adding the Ceibwr Bay beach area, which he felt “should have eco-tourism at its heart,” rather than “leisure tourism”.

Scheme project manager Peter Ainsworth said the proposal had been “developed with meticulous care,” with Jet Moore of Adventure Beyond Ltd having operated in the area for 30 years “harmonious with the seals and local wildlife”.

He said the majority of access to Ceibwr would be by pedal cycle rather than electric, stressing Adventure Beyond was not the only user of coastal facilities, the area used by other businesses as well as members of the public.

Cllr Clare George felt the scheme could be a way of regulating some of the bay usage, saying: “Are we holding this one company responsible for the impact of unregulated activity by others on this site? It does give use the ability to regulate this company.”

Despite a call by local member Cllr Mike James the scheme was approved by national park planners.

Speaking after the meeting, Peter Ainsworth said: “We are delighted to have received planning permission for the development at the Moylegrove Old Bus Depot. Our vision has always been to enhance the community by providing improved facilities that support outdoor activities while respecting and preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

“This project reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and to fostering opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage with nature.

“We look forward to working closely with the local community and stakeholders as we move forward, ensuring that the development brings positive benefits for both residents and visitors.

“We are excited about the positive impact this will have on local tourism, education, and the wellbeing of those who experience the wonderful environment of Ceibwr Bay.”

Pembrokeshire recently tripled its council tax for second homes. Wales permits its local authorities to increase council tax rates by 300 per cent. While the rule has been in place since April 2023, it has taken time for councils to commit to the hikes. The recent move by Pembrokeshire to bump to 300 per cent – a 200 per cent rise – has freed up what were many second homes.

Naturally, the major move has had mixed feedback. Some second homeowners see it as a counterproductive move. Others, predominantly people who don’t own second homes, welcome the move to make more properties available to local people. On paper, it’s a positive move at a time when demand for first-home buyers greatly outweighs availability. Even with Pembrokeshire relying on tourism, housing local people is more important.

Homes hit the market after tax increase

Council tax increased by 200 per cent following Wales’ new rules to make it easier for people to buy homes where they grew up. In July alone, 135 second homes in Pembrokeshire hit the market. In July 2023, only 38 were put up for sale. The rate of houses hitting the market was the highest this century, per analysts. Those who remain now need to commercially rent out a property for 182 days per year – up from 70 – to get lower business rates.

If the house goes up for sale, the owner can sidestep council tax for a year. However, as the figures show, many second homeowners now want to sell swiftly. Getting out before the increase becomes too taxing is very much a desire for many. The options to do so quickly have offered an outlet to the exodus of second homeowners. Now, selling your home can be done for free. Anyone can get a free cash offer and then sell without hidden fees.

Furthering the mission to get local homes to local people, a new allocation policy could be of use. The county council met back in April to discuss the social housing allocation policy. Seen as outdated, the 2014-made policy utilises an open housing register. Tighter eligibility criteria are now being sought. Part of this could be that applicants need stronger proof of their connection to the county.

Some movement on the housing development front

As reported earlier in September, a new housing development in Tenby has been unanimously approved. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park had been receiving submission bids for the Brynhir development through the summer. This autumn, a pre-construction service agreement will likely be awarded. Once work gets underway, the plan is to have 125 new homes. Social housing has been highlighted as a particular need in Pembrokeshire.

Of the 125 homes, 93 will be retained by the council. The other 32 will go to the open market and shared ownership deals. As outlined before, there will be a way to prioritise the letting process from the council. Priority will be given to those connected to Tenby and the local villages. Of course, not all plans go as swimmingly. In the summer, a Narberth housing development was refused due to major concerns.

Pembrokeshire’s seeing the intended results from its second home tax hike. With additional housing on the way, on paper, it’s getting easier for those who grew up in the county to stay there.

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Ascona Group has been shortlisted for another prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Award, this time in recognition of its philanthropic efforts.

The company, which has already been acknowledged for its high-quality customer service and operational excellence, is now a contender for the ‘Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year Award’, part of the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Darren Briggs, CEO and Founder of Ascona, has been named as a finalist for this new category, which celebrates businesses that reflect The Randal Foundation’s mission: saving lives, improving life chances, and positively contributing to local communities.

Ascona, the 7th largest independent forecourt operator in the UK, has seen rapid growth in recent years, becoming one of the fastest-growing companies in Wales. Since its inception, the group has remained committed to giving back, launching the Ascona Foundation in 2020. The group’s philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact, donating over £375,000 to local, national, and community organisations since 2017.

A new initiative with Pennies, a leading UK charity that protects and grows micro-donations, is set to raise over £250,000 annually for Ascona’s charity partner, the Wales Air Ambulance. By the end of 2025, the company expects to have donated over £500,000 in total through its charitable activities.

In addition to this latest nomination, Darren Briggs was also a finalist earlier this year in the ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year’ category. The awards’ shortlist includes businesses with a combined turnover of nearly £2.9 billion and approximately 20,000 employees, highlighting their role in driving economic growth and community support.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Grosvenor House in London on Monday, 18th November 2024.

Darren Briggs commented: “It’s a great honour to be named a finalist in such prestigious categories at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards. I’m incredibly proud of everything Ascona has achieved, and this recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment over the years.

“However, our charitable endeavours are what make me most proud. Giving back is close to my heart, and we remain dedicated to supporting our charity partners, including the Wales Air Ambulance, as we continue our fundraising efforts across the group.”