A baker has been granted planning permission to convert part of her home in the Pembrokeshire village of Solva into a tearoom she hopes will become a year-round community hub. Heidi Holland of Y Bost Bakes received approval from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park earlier this week for plans to transform part of her residence at Rose Cottage, Glanhafan, Solva.
Plans approved for former post office
The building, located within the Solva Conservation Area, previously served as the village post office and shop until it was converted to residential use in 2007. A planning officer's report backing the proposal stated the tearoom would operate alongside the existing Y Bost Bakes bakery, which has a substantial following on Instagram and Facebook, and would "bring commercial use back to part of a building linked to village services while keeping the rest of the property residential."
The plans include modest alterations, seating across two floors, and courtyard facilities accommodating up to 51 patrons.
Support from local residents
Those in favour argued the development would "provide a welcome additional facility within Upper Solva, where residents consider there to be a lack of cafés and tearooms compared with the concentration of hospitality businesses in Lower Solva." Supporters also noted the tearoom would "provide a welcoming meeting place where residents can socialise, meet friends and enjoy refreshments locally," with the "potential for the business to serve local residents throughout the year, including during the winter months when some businesses in Lower Solva close or operate reduced hours."
Heidi said she, Mark, Sol, and their mascot Boris the Dog were "absolutely delighted to get our planning app approved." She added: "Our vision is to offer something for Solva that is accessible and reflects the ethos of the community; there is currently nothing in Upper Solva for people to meet, have a coffee and catch up."
She noted that the property used to be the Old Post Office, with the post box still in the wall, and that retaining the heritage is important. "We have lived and worked in Solva for 30 years and it will be a family business. In fact, my mum used to run a tearoom in Lower Solva, so we are carrying on the tradition," she said.
Heidi also mentioned that the business already sells brownies and bakes at various outlets, including the seasonal ice cream van run at Abereiddy. The tearoom is anticipated to open in spring 2027 once works to make the new venture accessible are complete.
