Community councillors in Saundersfoot have objected to plans to turn the seaside village’s coastal schooner [originally intended as an educational and cultural hub] partly into a pirate themed rum bar.

A planning application (Reference: NP/25/0137/FUL) for a ‘change of use from interpretation centre to mixed use interpretation centre with Rum themed bar (A3)’ for the facility, which sits on the harbour decking, have been put forward to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The planning application explains that the Schooner operated as an interpretation centre and high ropes offer for a year from October 2023 to October 2024. However, it has proved not to be a viable option to run the Schooner as an interpretation centre alone and an additional use is sought to maintain the interpretation element of the Schooner.

The High Ropes offer proved to be an unviable option to retain going forward.

The applicant has stated that the maritime theme will be maintained as the bar will include a small scale rum distillery and will focus on the history associated with rum and tell the tales of local pirates.

The Schooner operated as an interpretation centre and high ropes offer for a year from October 2023 to October 2024. However, it has proved not to be a viable option to run the Schooner as an interpretation centre alone and an additional use is sought to maintain the interpretation element of the Schooner.

The proposal seeks to change the use to a mixed-use interpretation centre and bar, following the model of the Rum Story in Whitehaven Harbour on a smaller scale.

The proposed opening hours are from 11am to 11pm.

When discussing the proposals at this month’s meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, members resolved unanimously to object to the plans, with councillors feeling that the applicant had made insufficient effort to make the permitted use a viable concern.

Councillors stated that they felt it had been closed too much of the time, but when open, the educational resources have been well received by adults and children alike much and that residents and visitors are disappointed to find both the centres closed/unavailable.

Councillors had seen no adverts and little obvious encouragement to use it and see the unique view of Saundersfoot. There does not seem to have been much going on there.

It was also noted that the tea shop prices were very high in comparison to other local venues.

It was noted that a recent application for change of use from shop to residential premises on High Street required the Applicant to spend literally years advertising the premises as a shop before eventually unviability was accepted and change of use granted. It seems to Councillors that the Applicant needs to work harder and longer to try to make the interpretation centre concept work.

They also raised concerns over a new licensed premises being introduced near a child-friendly attraction

The Schooner is very popular with children visiting the village and councillors expressed concern that the sale of alcohol in close juxtaposition should not be allowed.

Health and Safety issues near to the waters were also raised, with the Community Council stating: “Alcohol on the decking has been strongly discouraged, not just because of the licensing rules, but also because of health and safety - including the open seating on the decking.

“Licensed events near open water are sometimes refused due to the significant risk. Customers might leave the premises after 23:00 intoxicated and walk off the harbour wall or get hurt attempting to climb the schooner’s masts.

Councillors noted there is already no shortage of licensed premises in the village. If another was needed then they felt this was not the location. Perhaps the Marine Excellence Centre would be a better home for the Rum Bar?

They also noted a conflict with the original planning justification, highlighting: “The original planning permission, largely funded by EU grants, was permitted because of the focus on the coal mining heritage of the village.

“Local residents overlooking the site were discouraged from objecting because of the importance of the Schooner to the village’s story.

“It seems unlikely to the Council that the proposed rum bar would have got either planning permission from the National Park or funding from public money.”

County councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams has also fully supported the Community Council’s position to oppose the application.

“While I cannot support this current planning application, I want to make it clear that this does not affect my continued support for licensed events on the harbour decking area,” he stated.

“Nicola and her team have brought renewed energy to community events, making excellent use of this space to benefit both residents and visitors.

“The events decking has become a valued asset for the wider community.

“However, this particular application is now due to come before the National Park Committee, and I fully support the Saundersfoot Community Council’s position to oppose it.

“When the concept of the schooner was first presented, it was described as a faithful replica of a traditional coal trading ship.

“It was to be constructed using traditional methods in partnership with Pembrokeshire College’s maritime training programme.

“Unfortunately, that original vision did not materialise. What stands today is a large steel structure clad in timber—more a symbolic representation than a true replica—occupying a highly prominent and sensitive location on the harbour.

“The project was granted planning permission primarily on the basis that it would serve as a community and cultural resource, showcasing Saundersfoot’s maritime heritage.

“This purpose was a key consideration, particularly as National Park officers had raised significant concerns at the time about the scale and visibility of the structure.

“My principal concern now lies with the proposed change of use. I strongly believe that if the original application had been for a rum-themed bar with a large first-floor drinks terrace styled like a pirate ship, it would never have been approved in this location.

“Therefore, to allow such a transformation through a change of use application undermines the original planning process and sets a concerning precedent.

“The pursuit of commercial viability must not come at the cost of appropriateness and respect for the site’s character. Over the years, various business proposals have been linked to the schooner, none of which have proved successful,” continued Cllr Williams.

“This illustrates the risk of creating so-called ‘white elephants’ — projects founded on ambitious claims that ultimately fail to deliver. While it is reasonable to consider alternative uses, these must remain true to the original intention and suitable for this distinctive setting.

“What is particularly disappointing is that the schooner, once envisioned as an educational and cultural hub, has remained closed for much of the time. This has understandably led to frustration among residents and visitors alike. Sadly, the scheme has yet to fulfil its promise.

“In conclusion, while I welcome continued community use of the harbour decking for events, I believe this application represents a fundamental change from the approved purpose of the schooner project and therefore should not be supported,” he added.

The application will be considered by PCNPA’s development management committee at a later date.