Legal Setback Delays Pembrokeshire Adventure Tourism Hub in Wales: Environmental Concerns and High Court Ruling Spark Fresh Review in 2026

Published on December 28, 2025

In a significant turn of events for Pembrokeshire adventure tourism, plans to build an outdoor adventure centre on the former Old Bus Depot site in Moylegrove have been halted due to a legal challenge. In 2024, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) approved Adventure Beyond Ltd’s proposal to establish an adventure hub that would offer activities such as coasteering, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. However, a high court judge ruled that the approval was unlawful, and the National Park plans to reconsider the plans in 2026.

The Origin of the Controversial Proposal

The proposal for the adventure tourism hub emerged from the desire to rejuvenate a former bus depot site, previously used by the Richards Bros bus company. The aim was to transform the location into a vibrant centre for adventure tourism, potentially attracting visitors to the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast. Adventure Beyond Ltd, the company behind the proposal, has stated that it is a pioneer in promoting safe and environmentally responsible adventure tourism practices. Despite the good intentions behind the project, local concerns over the environmental impact of the development grew, especially regarding the potential disturbance to the area’s delicate wildlife.

Local and Environmental Concerns

One of the primary concerns voiced by local stakeholders, including the Nevern Community Council, centred around the potential harm the adventure centre could cause to local wildlife. Pembrokeshire is home to various species of birds, seals, and otters, many of which are protected under national and international conservation laws. Notably, Ceibwr Bay, which lies in close proximity to the proposed site, is part of several important protected areas, including the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC. The bay is renowned for its nesting birds, including razorbills, guillemots, herring gulls, and the rare chough, which are known to breed in the area.

Wildlife conservation groups, such as Wild Justice, argued that the project could significantly disrupt these species, particularly the nesting birds and grey seals that use the nearby sea caves as pupping areas. They raised concerns that the increased activity around the adventure centre, including coasteering and kayaking, would disturb the wildlife, particularly the sensitive breeding and nesting periods. Furthermore, the area’s designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) heightened the importance of protecting its ecological integrity.

The Legal Challenge and High Court Ruling

In response to these concerns, Wild Justice filed a high court challenge, arguing that the decision by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to approve the development was unlawful. The challenge was based on the assertion that the National Park Authority had failed to properly consider the environmental impact of the development. Specifically, the claim centred on the fact that the 2024 survey of breeding birds and a position statement from Natural Resources Wales had not been made available to the committee members before the approval was granted.

Hon. Mr Justice Eyre, who presided over the case, agreed with Wild Justice’s arguments, ruling that the planning permission granted for the adventure hub was unlawful. The judge pointed out that the management committee had not been adequately informed about the possible impact of the development on the Aberath-Carreg Wylan SSSI, which is home to several important bird species, including the chough. The judge also expressed concerns that the proposed activities could cause disturbances to the local wildlife, including the seals and birds.

As a result, the planning permission granted in 2024 was quashed, meaning that Adventure Beyond Ltd would need to resubmit its application for re-evaluation by the National Park Authority if it hopes to proceed with the project.

The Reaction from Adventure Beyond Ltd

In response to the legal ruling, Jet Moore, a representative from Adventure Beyond, defended the project, insisting that the company had been proactive in developing codes of conduct aimed at ensuring the safety of wildlife in the area. Moore claimed that their activities had been designed with careful consideration for the environment and that the objections raised by local groups were unfounded. He pointed out that in the past, it had been the objectors who caused more disturbances to the birds than the proposed adventure activities would.

Adventure Beyond’s plans for the site were not solely focused on coasteering. The hub was designed to offer a variety of adventure activities for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike, potentially helping to boost the local tourism economy. However, the debate surrounding the impact on the environment has left the company’s future in the area uncertain.

A Long-Standing Environmental Debate

Pembrokeshire has long been a focal point for debates about balancing conservation efforts with economic development, particularly in the tourism sector. The area’s unique natural beauty has attracted tourists from around the world, but the region’s status as a haven for wildlife means that any proposed developments must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks to the environment.

The area is already popular for outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and coasteering, with many businesses offering guided tours and experiences. However, as tourism numbers grow, so do the concerns about overtourism and its effects on local wildlife. This case highlights the ongoing tension between encouraging economic growth through adventure tourism and maintaining the environmental integrity of natural spaces.

The Way Forward for Adventure Tourism in Pembrokeshire

While the legal decision has delayed the adventure tourism hub project, it has not brought the debate to an end. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has stated that the application will be brought back for redetermination in 2026. However, it remains unclear when exactly this will happen, and whether Adventure Beyond Ltd will be required to make substantial changes to its plans to address the concerns raised by conservationists.

In the meantime, the future of adventure tourism in Pembrokeshire remains uncertain. The National Park Authority will likely take a closer look at the environmental concerns raised during the legal proceedings, as well as the growing demand for sustainable tourism that respects the natural environment. For now, the project’s future hinges on the National Park Authority’s ability to strike a balance between promoting adventure tourism and safeguarding Pembrokeshire’s precious wildlife.

A Critical Junction for Sustainable Tourism

As the case progresses to 2026, Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry faces a critical juncture. The outcome of this legal challenge will have far-reaching consequences for the future of adventure tourism in the region, particularly in terms of how such developments are evaluated and whether they can coexist with the region’s environmental priorities. While the adventure tourism industry in Pembrokeshire continues to grow, this case serves as a reminder that any new development must consider not only the economic benefits but also the long-term environmental impact of increased human activity in sensitive areas.

As Pembrokeshire seeks a sustainable path forward, the lessons learnt from this legal battle may shape the future of tourism development in Wales and elsewhere.