Photo: Google street maps.
Plans for a tearoom in a former post office away from the seafront of a popular Pembrokeshire village have been approved.
Heidi Holland of Y Bost Bakes, through agent Oochitecture, applied to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to turn a house at Rose Cottage, Glanhafan, Solva, into a tearoom.
The property, in the Solva Conservation Area, was the village post office and store before being converted into a home in 2007.
A planning officer’s report recommending approval said the tearoom would operate alongside the existing Y Bost Bakes bakery.
“The part of the building proposed for conversion was once the village post office and store, although the submitted information does not establish exactly when that use ended. The current village post office and general store has operated from a different location for over 20 years.
“The proposal 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 minor alterations, seating on the ground and first floors and courtyard seating for up to 51 customers.
The report says the tearoom, next to the village green, would create the equivalent of 1.5 full-time jobs.
The report said a number of responses to the scheme which “express strong support for the proposed change of use of the former village post office to a tearoom, identifying the potential benefits to the local community, particularly residents of Upper Solva,” were received.
Supporters said the scheme 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”.
They also emphasised that “many permanent residents live in Upper Solva and that travelling to Lower Solva can be difficult, particularly for elderly residents, people with limited mobility and those without access to private transport”.
The report added that supporters felt the tearoom would “provide a welcoming meeting place where residents can socialise, meet friends and enjoy refreshments locally,” with “the importance of such facilities for older residents and the potential to strengthen community connections,” and 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”.
The report recommended approval, saying: “Overall, the proposed change of use would provide a local commercial and community facility within Solva’s rural centre, reusing an existing building while offering potential employment and social benefits.”
Park planners approved the application subject to conditions.
Y Bost Bakes had posted on social media when the application was first submitted, saying: “This marks Phase 3 of the Y Bost Bakes business plan—our dream of creating the Y Bost Bakes tea rooms at the Old Post Office is one step closer to becoming a reality!
“We’re hoping to open our doors in 2027, welcoming you to enjoy our homemade bakes, a lovely cuppa and plenty of warm Pembrokeshire hospitality.”
The post added: “We can’t wait to take you along on this journey and, hopefully, welcome you all to Y Bost @ The Old Post Office in 2027!”
Y Bost Bakes has been contacted for comment following the approval.
