Pembrokeshire pub finds new solution for outdoor seating

A compromise plan has been submitted for a replacement wall at a Pembrokeshire pub after planners and an inspector rejected an earlier scheme installed following a child’s near miss with a vehicle.

In 2024, Kathryn Lunn of the Hibernia Inn in Angle was refused retrospective planning permission to keep wooden decking installed outside the conservation-area pub in April.

She said in her application that the decking was installed after a child narrowly avoided being hit on the adjoining road.

“There has always been bench seating there with umbrellas, but earlier this season there was a very close miss when a diner’s child ran into the road and was almost knocked down.”

“We felt it our duty of care to the customers to make the area safe.”

“We considered a brick wall but thought this decking would be more aesthetically pleasing being made of natural wood.”

Concerns were raised about the design by the park’s building conservation officer, who said: “The works clearly neither preserve the character or appearance of the conservation area, especially the latter.

“I am aware of the problems facing village pubs and the need to provide improved facilities – and the pub is clearly vital to the community.”

The officer said, at the time, there was potential for an alternative scheme.

It was refused by park planners on the grounds of the impact it would have on Angle’s Conservation Area.

After that, an appeal was lodged with the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) but was dismissed in part on the grounds of visual impact.

The inspector noted that the owner was willing to consider alternatives and that a traditional wall might be more suitable.

National Park members were told the appeal dismissal was “a win” for the authority, but there was “still a way forward” for the applicants using potentially more traditional materials.

A fresh scheme has now been submitted, replacing the surrounding wooden uprights with wooden planters, and painting them grey at the request of the National Park, the applicant says.

A supporting statement says: “The site was a very uneven tarmacked area with tables, benches and umbrellas for outdoor seating.

“We upgraded that to a wooden decking area, which the national park found unsuitable. After meetings and discussions, it was agreed that this alteration would suit [the national park] better.”

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planners will consider the latest application at a later date.