A planning application has been submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for a temporary visitor reception at St Davids Bishop’s Palace.
The proposal, submitted by Cadw, the Welsh historic environment service, seeks permission for a temporary, demountable structure at the Grade-I-listed building.
The facility is intended to serve as visitor reception, ticketing, limited retail, and associated staff functions, while longer-term visitor accommodation plans are developed.
In a statement supporting the application, it was noted that the palace is a “nationally important medieval complex” within the historic Cathedral Close.
The statement said: “The proposed works are within this sensitive setting, and the design therefore seeks to avoid physical attachment to historic fabric, minimise ground disturbance, and preserve the legibility of the principal courtyard as far as practicable given its temporary use.”
The temporary facility is described as a “modest, single-storey kiosk of low overall height,” with a simple, contemporary form.
It is designed to be easily removable once no longer required, with affected surfaces reinstated.
The statement further explained that the kiosk would adopt a restrained external colour and material palette, with limited glazing for visitor welcome, daylight, and staff oversight.
“The design deliberately avoids imitation historic detailing, glossy finishes, and excessive signage, so that the new building is distinguishable from, but visually subordinate to, the Palace,” the statement added.
The proposal aims to balance the continued public use of the palace with the protection of its heritage significance.
St Davids Bishop’s Palace is managed by Cadw and is open to the public.
Its standing masonry, archaeological deposits, open courtyard, and views between the medieval ranges are cited as integral to its significance.
The application will be reviewed by national park planners at a future date.
The palace is a Scheduled Monument.
The proposal aims to ensure the continued enjoyment of the site by visitors while safeguarding its heritage.
