A new proposal aims to breathe fresh life into a former garden centre in Pembrokeshire, with plans submitted to create a modern dog daycare facility on the site. The project, spearheaded by local entrepreneur Ryan Ennis, has been formally presented to Pembrokeshire County Council and proposes the transformation of disused polytunnels into a dedicated space for canine care and play.
The site in question sits adjacent to the well-known Tenby Tourers, just off the busy A477 route from Llanteg to Folly Cross. For many years, the area benefited from the bustling activity of a garden centre until Tenby Tourers took over operations, leading to a change in the site’s use. While most of the polytunnels that used to characterise the site have disappeared or fallen into disuse, the applicant notes that one remains, largely for casual storage. There is broad local recognition that a new enterprise might help both tidy up and revitalise the area.
According to details submitted to the council by the planning agents, Gerald Blain Associates Limited, the dog daycare centre would be equipped to care for up to ten dogs at any one time. Proposed opening times are scheduled from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday through Friday, with owners typically dropping their pets off in the morning and collecting them in the late afternoon. This schedule, according to the applicant, is designed to accommodate working people from the local community.
Accessibility is considered a key asset of the site. The premises would benefit from a generous two-way entrance from the main road, ensuring easy access for customers. The location is bordered by a range of land-uses: an agricultural field lies to the east, Tenby Tourers to the south, a caravan site to the west, and woodland to the north. In council documents, the applicant suggests this creates a tranquil and semi-rural environment, ideal for canine wellbeing.
Among the practical amenities detailed in the planning papers are eight parking and drop-off spaces, three of which are specially enlarged to provide safe, stress-free access for dogs and their owners. The heart of the site would feature a secure play area, finished in dog-friendly astroturf and enclosed by a high timber fence for safety and privacy. The plans stipulate that the main building will take the place of the southernmost polytunnel, while the play area would be situated where a second tunnel currently stands.
An important consideration for the application is aesthetics and the impact on the local landscape. The existing polytunnels are described in the supporting documents as “not visually pleasing and detracting from the character of the site”. To address this, the proposal emphasises extensive new landscaping, particularly along the site boundaries and the visible edge facing the A477, in a bid to integrate the new daycare centre more sympathetically into its surroundings.
Beyond its remit for animal welfare, the project also promises a mild boost to the local economy. Initially, it would secure two employment opportunities, including a role filled by the applicant’s daughter. There is also reference to supporting the local building trade during construction and then providing ongoing work as the business becomes established. Proponents argue this will bring recurring benefits to the wider community, both in direct employment and consumer activity.
The proposal has been met with cautious optimism from some local commentators, who note the decline of the former garden centre and express hope that a thriving new small business could spark renewed community interest in the site. However, as with any planning application, interested parties will be watching closely to see whether environmental and traffic concerns are addressed in final decisions.
Council planners are expected to deliberate on the application over the coming months. If granted approval, the new dog daycare centre promises to offer a much-needed service to pet owners in the surrounding area, whilst transforming an underused patch of Pembrokeshire into a vibrant social hub for dogs and their humans alike. The development reflects broader trends across the UK in repurposing disused sites and meeting the growing demand for animal care services.