Nikita Singh

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has approved plans to convert a former surfboard shop in Penarth’s historic Washington Buildings into a bar with ancillary retail. The venue will retain retail space, sell drinks from local and independent breweries and local produce, and open daily from 8am to 11pm. No external alterations, kitchen or air-conditioning installation are planned. Despite one objection over possible late-night antisocial behaviour, planners concluded that the proposal would not unacceptably affect residents, parking or highway safety. Approval is subject to conditions covering opening hours, use, biodiversity and the installation of a bug hotel.

Sanctuary Club Penarth, a luxury private wellness club founded by local couple Cora and James Darlington, is planned for Ludlow Lane opposite Hamptons, with an autumn 2026 launch. The membership will be capped at 180 across three tiers and will include hydrotherapy, sauna and steam facilities, cold plunge therapy, a salt cave, hyperbaric oxygen treatment, coaching, clinics and retreats. The founders aim to create a nature-inspired, community-focused alternative to a conventional gym, while collaborating with other local businesses and positioning Penarth as a hub for health and wellbeing.

Residents in Penarth continue campaigning for the reinstatement of the 93 bus route, arguing that changes replacing it with the less frequent number 7 service have left elderly and disabled people isolated and unable to access essential services. Campaigner Paul Cutajar raised concerns at a Vale of Glamorgan Scrutiny Committee meeting, citing limited speaking time and technical issues. More than 500 residents have signed a petition urging the council and Cardiff Bus to restore an all-day service through Poets Corner, warning that current arrangements do not meet the needs of vulnerable community members.

A series of recent business closures in Penarth has intensified debate over whether enough is being done to support the high street. Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies argues that poor coordination between ministers, rising costs and parking challenges have contributed to long‑term decline, while local traders cite energy bills, food prices and shifting customer behaviour as key pressures. Several long‑standing venues and newer independents have shut, though the Vale of Glamorgan Council maintains strong transport links, free parking and town‑centre cleaning initiatives already support the area. Some new publicans are investing in reviving local venues, but questions remain over whether business rates, promotion and further practical support are needed to help independents survive.

A community campaign in Dinas Powys has gathered more than 1,000 signatures to oppose the planned closure of the village’s last remaining Post Office, located inside a Morrisons Daily store scheduled to shut as part of a national reduction of smaller outlets. Local councillors warn the closure would leave residents, especially older people and those without transport, reliant on distant alternatives in Penarth or Sully. Plaid Cymru representatives have requested confirmation from Post Office management and are seeking options including a mobile or relocated counter. Additional petition‑signing events are being held, while MP Stephen Doughty has raised the issue with UK ministers. Campaigners are considering a peaceful protest as efforts continue to secure the service’s future.