Latest news with #SaundersfootCommunityCouncil
Pembrokeshire Herald
13 hours ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Restaurant at ‘flagship' Saundersfoot harbour approved
A CALL to turn a vacant unit at a Pembrokeshire seaside village's flagship marine centre of excellence into a high-quality seafood restaurant has been given the go-ahead by the national park. In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Red Roses-based Rhianwen Lane of Catch Cymru sought permission for a change of use of Unit 21, Marine Centre of Excellence, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot to a food and drink establishment with indoor seating and a takeaway. The proposal was supported by Saundersfoot Community Council. A supporting statement with the application said: 'Catch Cymru is an established, independent seafood business based in Carmarthen, with a strong reputation for high-quality takeaway seafood. 'As a result of the success and demand for our current operation, we are now looking to expand by opening a second restaurant in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire. 'Our aim for this new shop is not only to replicate our successful takeaway model but also to enhance the customer experience by providing a unique, seaside dining experience that will appeal to both locals and tourists alike. 'In addition to our existing offerings of fried fish and chips, the Saundersfoot restaurant will offer a broader menu, including seasonal grilled and barbequed fish, fresh salads, and a variety of side dishes to cater to a wider demographic, to include halloumi fries, corn on the cob etc. 'This expansion will also allow us to continue our popular takeaway service while providing a casual dine-in atmosphere with a drinks menu that features locally sourced beers and IPAs.' The application says a key feature of the menu at the dog-friendly restaurant will be 'Catch of the Day' specials, 'based on the freshest seafood available from the local harbour,' giving customers 'a unique experience and encourage repeat visits knowing that we support local fishermen'. It also plans to host live music events from local artists on selected weekends, especially during peak season and bank holidays to 'help create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that encourages customers to linger, enjoy their food and drinks, but most importantly return for more'. An officer report recommending approval said the change of use of an existing chandlery from A1(Shop) to A3 (Food & Drink) 'will ensure that the vacant unit within the Marine Centre of Excellence is brought back into use and positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour'. The Marine Centre of Excellence was given planning consent in 2016, subject to a condition which restricts the available retail floor space and its use. The report says a viability statement from the Saundersfoot Harbour Authority' detailed how the unit was no longer viable for A1/A2 use and that an A3 use would provide vitality and vibrancy to the harbourside location'. It finished: 'The proposed development will have no adverse impact on the special qualities of the National Park and will positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour. 'A seafood business would fit within the character of the seafront at the Marine Centre of Excellence and will bring a vacant unviable retail unit back into use providing a benefit to the community and local economy.' The application was conditionally approved by park planners.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Plan for seafood restaurant near top Welsh beach approved
Plan for seafood restaurant near top Welsh beach approved A new seafood restaurant is set to open in a Pembrokeshire seaside village after the planners gave the go-ahead Saundersfoot Harbour (Image: John Myers ) A proposal to transform a vacant unit at Pembrokeshire's flagship Marine Centre of Excellence into a high-quality seafood restaurant has been approved by the national park. Rhianwen Lane of Catch Cymru, based in Red Roses, submitted an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for a change of use of Unit 21, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot, to a food and drink establishment with indoor seating and takeaway facilities. The plan received backing from Saundersfoot Community Council. A supporting statement said: "Catch Cymru is an established independent seafood business based in Carmarthen with a strong reputation for high-quality takeaway seafood. "As a result of the success and demand for our current operation we are now looking to expand by opening a second restaurant in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire. "Our aim for this new shop is not only to replicate our successful takeaway model but also to enhance the customer experience by providing a unique seaside dining experience that will appeal to both locals and tourists alike. "In addition to our existing offerings of fried fish and chips the Saundersfoot restaurant will offer a broader menu, including seasonal grilled and barbecued fish, fresh salads, and a variety of side dishes to cater to a wider demographic to include halloumi fries, corn on the cob etc. Article continues below "This expansion will also allow us to continue our popular takeaway service while providing a casual dine-in atmosphere with a drinks menu that features locally-sourced beers and IPAs." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. The application says that a standout selection on the dog-friendly eatery's menu will be 'catch of the day' specials "based on the freshest seafood available from the local harbour" designed to offer patrons "a unique experience and encourage repeat visits knowing that we support local fishermen". The venue aims to introduce live music sets from local talent on select weekends, especially in high season and bank holidays, to "help create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that encourages customers to linger, enjoy their food and drinks, but most importantly return for more". An officer's report endorsing the project explained that the proposed alteration of an existing chandlery from A1 (shop) to A3 (food and drink) "will ensure that the vacant unit within the Marine Centre of Excellence is brought back into use and positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour". Previously granted planning permission in 2016, the Marine Centre of Excellence has been subject to conditions limiting retail space and its function. The document includes a viability statement from Saundersfoot Harbour Authority which "detailed how the unit was no longer viable for A1/A2 use and that an A3 use would add life and energy to this prime waterfront setting". The statement concluded: "The proposed development will have no adverse impact on the special qualities of the national park and will positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour. "A seafood business would fit within the character of the seafront at the Marine Centre of Excellence and will bring a vacant unviable retail unit back into use providing a benefit to the community and local economy." Park planners gave conditional approval to the application. Article continues below Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Restaurant at 'flagship' Saundersfoot harbour approved
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Red Roses-based Rhianwen Lane of Catch Cymru sought permission for a change of use of Unit 21, Marine Centre of Excellence, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot to a food and drink establishment with indoor seating and a takeaway. The proposal was supported by Saundersfoot Community Council. A supporting statement with the application said: 'Catch Cymru is an established, independent seafood business based in Carmarthen, with a strong reputation for high-quality takeaway seafood. 'As a result of the success and demand for our current operation, we are now looking to expand by opening a second restaurant in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire. 'Our aim for this new shop is not only to replicate our successful takeaway model but also to enhance the customer experience by providing a unique, seaside dining experience that will appeal to both locals and tourists alike. 'In addition to our existing offerings of fried fish and chips, the Saundersfoot restaurant will offer a broader menu, including seasonal grilled and barbequed fish, fresh salads, and a variety of side dishes to cater to a wider demographic, to include halloumi fries, corn on the cob etc. 'This expansion will also allow us to continue our popular takeaway service while providing a casual dine-in atmosphere with a drinks menu that features locally sourced beers and IPAs.' The application says a key feature of the menu at the dog-friendly restaurant will be 'Catch of the Day' specials, 'based on the freshest seafood available from the local harbour,' giving customers 'a unique experience and encourage repeat visits knowing that we support local fishermen'. It also plans to host live music events from local artists on selected weekends, especially during peak season and bank holidays to 'help create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that encourages customers to linger, enjoy their food and drinks, but most importantly return for more'. An officer report recommending approval said the change of use of an existing chandlery from A1(Shop) to A3 (Food & Drink) 'will ensure that the vacant unit within the Marine Centre of Excellence is brought back into use and positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour'. The Marine Centre of Excellence was given planning consent in 2016, subject to a condition which restricts the available retail floor space and its use. The report says a viability statement from the Saundersfoot Harbour Authority' detailed how the unit was no longer viable for A1/A2 use and that an A3 use would provide vitality and vibrancy to the harbourside location'. It finished: 'The proposed development will have no adverse impact on the special qualities of the National Park and will positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour. 'A seafood business would fit within the character of the seafront at the Marine Centre of Excellence and will bring a vacant unviable retail unit back into use providing a benefit to the community and local economy.' The application was conditionally approved by park planners.
Pembrokeshire Herald
23-05-2025
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Historic first as woman and layperson elected to lead major Welsh Christian denomination
A PROPOSED new 'traveller site' on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, has been refused by national park planners. The Authority has served an Enforcement Notice on the site, which requires its return to its previous condition. The scheme for the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot, was recommended for refusal at the May 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's development management committee, having previously been deferred for a site visit by members. Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the scheme and the objection to the site is also being shared by the village's community council. Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd. Saundersfoot Community Council has pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years. There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened. Members have said granting permission 'would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park'. The community council's objection finished: 'The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.' A supporting statement accompanying the application stated: 'The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives. 'Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.' It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site. 'The application's aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.' A park officer report recommending refusal says the applicant has accommodation and is not currently homeless, giving only moderate weight 'to the existing level of outstanding unmet need for Gypsy Traveller accommodation in Pembrokeshire,' adding: 'That level of need should be weighed against the likely impact of development on the National Park landscape and habitat in this area.' It says there has been 'significant site clearance undertaken prior to the submission of the application, and the impact on the landscape, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience has been assessed as negative,' with officers considering further caravan development 'would exceed landscape capacity'. Speaking at the meeting on behalf of local residents, Helen Williams questioned the need for the applicant to have a site in Saundersfoot when he lived in Pontypool, adding that residents did not recall any caravans on-site since 1993. Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries said he had hoped the application, with a recently revised landscape plans offering additional landscape mitigation, could have been deferred. He said any refusal would give his client the option of either appealing or 'having a free go' for any amended future application. Mr Vaughan-Harries said that while Pembrokeshire was better than many authorities in the provision of traveller sites there was a need to deliver more. 'It's premature to make an application today but I still think this site has some merit. The applicant wants to go back to his traveller roots.' Saundersfoot councillor Chis Williams moved members support the officer recommendation of refusal, adding he supported Mr Vaughan-Harries call for more provision for traveller sites but stressed: 'however, I do not think this is the correct location.' Members backed the recommendation of refusal by 13 votes to two abstentions. Responding to the refusal after the meeting, Mr Vaughan-Harries said: 'To deliver Traveller sites is always a planning challenge but as discussed the essential need more sites is clearly there for the whole of Wales and Pembs. The opportunity of private sites also eases the burden on LPA's to fund traveller sites 'We respect that site is in PCNP, but there is a policy to still allow Traveller sites in their area subtext to criteria being met. 'The full impact on the ecology and visual impact was not completed by ourselves and applicant due to availability of suitable local surveyors and conflicts of interest. So it's likely we will resubmit to improve on the scheme and see if all ecology impacts can be mitigated even if it has to be off-site. This site has remnants of previous use and not a virgin greenfield site. 'I still feel the site can deliver a single traveller poach with up the date assessment and redesigning.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
23-05-2025
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Have your say – Help shape Haverfordwest Castle!
A PROPOSED new 'traveller site' on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, has been refused by national park planners. The Authority has served an Enforcement Notice on the site, which requires its return to its previous condition. The scheme for the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot, was recommended for refusal at the May 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's development management committee, having previously been deferred for a site visit by members. Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the scheme and the objection to the site is also being shared by the village's community council. Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd. Saundersfoot Community Council has pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years. There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened. Members have said granting permission 'would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park'. The community council's objection finished: 'The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.' A supporting statement accompanying the application stated: 'The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives. 'Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.' It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site. 'The application's aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.' A park officer report recommending refusal says the applicant has accommodation and is not currently homeless, giving only moderate weight 'to the existing level of outstanding unmet need for Gypsy Traveller accommodation in Pembrokeshire,' adding: 'That level of need should be weighed against the likely impact of development on the National Park landscape and habitat in this area.' It says there has been 'significant site clearance undertaken prior to the submission of the application, and the impact on the landscape, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience has been assessed as negative,' with officers considering further caravan development 'would exceed landscape capacity'. Speaking at the meeting on behalf of local residents, Helen Williams questioned the need for the applicant to have a site in Saundersfoot when he lived in Pontypool, adding that residents did not recall any caravans on-site since 1993. Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries said he had hoped the application, with a recently revised landscape plans offering additional landscape mitigation, could have been deferred. He said any refusal would give his client the option of either appealing or 'having a free go' for any amended future application. Mr Vaughan-Harries said that while Pembrokeshire was better than many authorities in the provision of traveller sites there was a need to deliver more. 'It's premature to make an application today but I still think this site has some merit. The applicant wants to go back to his traveller roots.' Saundersfoot councillor Chis Williams moved members support the officer recommendation of refusal, adding he supported Mr Vaughan-Harries call for more provision for traveller sites but stressed: 'however, I do not think this is the correct location.' Members backed the recommendation of refusal by 13 votes to two abstentions. Responding to the refusal after the meeting, Mr Vaughan-Harries said: 'To deliver Traveller sites is always a planning challenge but as discussed the essential need more sites is clearly there for the whole of Wales and Pembs. The opportunity of private sites also eases the burden on LPA's to fund traveller sites 'We respect that site is in PCNP, but there is a policy to still allow Traveller sites in their area subtext to criteria being met. 'The full impact on the ecology and visual impact was not completed by ourselves and applicant due to availability of suitable local surveyors and conflicts of interest. So it's likely we will resubmit to improve on the scheme and see if all ecology impacts can be mitigated even if it has to be off-site. This site has remnants of previous use and not a virgin greenfield site. 'I still feel the site can deliver a single traveller poach with up the date assessment and redesigning.'
