Plans to enhance facilities at a well-loved beauty spot and award-winning Pembrokeshire pub, partly utilising a disused public convenience, have received approval.
In a submission to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Lloyd James C/O Owen & Owen Ltd for Cresselly Estate, via agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, requested permission to improve an existing food outlet. The proposal includes the conversion and extension of a former public toilet block into a purpose-built kitchen, storage area and staff facilities, alongside a new covered seating space, external bar container unit, and related works at The Cresselly Arms in Cresswell Quay.
History of the Cresselly Arms
The Grade II-listed Cresselly Arms began life as an 18th-century residence and had become a public house by at least the mid-19th century. In recent times, under landlord Steve Adams, the pub secured the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year award for the entirety of Wales in 2024, having previously been crowned the finest in Pembrokeshire.
Details of the Expansion Plan
A supporting statement revealed that the former toilet block shut approximately two years ago and is now owned by the applicant, having previously been leased by the county council. The facility closed following concerns about a leaking “sealed” cesspit.
The statement notes that the neighbouring listed building, the Cresselly Arms, “has been purveying a variety of drinks for over 200 years together with a limited range of snacks,” adding: “Whilst the number of customers will have varied over the years, at times when the local hunt meets at the Cresselly Arms large crowds and their vehicles congregate in the area.”
The application continued: “Over recent years the inn has stationed mobile units associated with the preparation and enjoyment of food within its curtilage and this proposal is to improve the quality of the presentation of food and refreshments, including making use of the redundant toilet block to the north.”
It further explained: “Whilst the proposal would introduce new uses onto the site it is considered that these activities are ancillary to the operation of the long-established Cresselly Arms and for the most part take place within the curtilage of the inn.”
Support and Concerns
The application received backing from Jeffreyston Community Council, though it highlighted concerns surrounding parking provision and the possibility of heightened vehicle traffic. One member of the public expressed worries about “fast food outlets in a historical area of natural beauty.”
An officer’s report advocating approval stated: “Revisions to some detailed elements of the scheme have been received during the course of the application. The amended proposal is considered to represent a sympathetic enhancement of an established hospitality business which supports the visitor economy whilst respecting the historic character and appearance of Cresswell Quay.”
The report noted the pub had previously accommodated temporary barbecue and catering operations on the quay, with the proposal aiming to “rationalise and formalise these activities within the established ancillary yard associated with the Cresselly Arms,” continuing: “In heritage and placemaking terms this is considered a positive outcome.”
Transport and Parking
Addressing transport concerns, the report explained the proposal aimed to enhance existing facilities rather “than significantly expand its capacity or introduce a new use” and was not deemed likely to “generate a level of traffic that would result in a severe impact on the local highway network or existing parking arrangements.”
Park planners granted conditional approval for the application.
