COUNCIL plans to build up to 14 homes on the site of a former Pembrokeshire school have been given the go-ahead.

Pembrokeshire County Council, through agent Asbri Planning Ltd, sought outline planning application for the development of up to 14 residential dwellings at the former Hakin Infants School, Picton Road, Hakin, Milford Haven.

Last April planners backed an application by the council to demolish the site ahead of an application for a housing development; works also including the construction of a bat house and ecological enhancement area.

A supporting statement at the time said: “The former school buildings are boarded up, whereas the gardens and play areas have become overgrown. This is one of three schools to close in the last decade within the local area, alongside Hubberston VC School and Hakin Junior School, which have already been demolished.”

A supporting statement accompanying the actual housing application says: “The proposal includes the development of up to 14 residential dwellings on the site of the former Hakin Infant School, Picton Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. The site has capacity to accommodate a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom homes while integrating green infrastructure, open spaces, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).”

The outline scheme is proposing four one-bed flats, six two-bed houses, and four three-bed houses.

“The development will be designed to create a well-connected and attractive place to live, utilising the existing site features and responding to its opportunities and constraints,” the statement says, adding: “The proposal provides an opportunity for the council to deliver sustainable new homes in an accessible location while redeveloping a redundant site.

“The vision for the site is to bring forward a development that provides high-quality, well-designed residential units that reflect the local character of Milford Haven. The project aims to create a balanced development that caters to the needs of the local population while attracting new residents to the area.

“The development will offer a mix of contemporary architecture and sustainable design, ensuring the new homes meet modern living standards while respecting the surrounding environment.”

The application, supported by Milford Haven Town Council, was approved by county planners with a long string of conditions.

Heating oil believed to have entered water via culvert as investigation and clean-up continue

AN UGENT investigation is underway after a suspected heating oil spill contaminated the Commons Stream and spread into Castle Pond in Pembroke.

Pembroke Town Council first raised the alarm, warning residents of a potential pollution incident affecting the watercourse. Officers from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pollution Control Team and Natural Resources Wales are now on site working to identify the source and contain the spill.

Further information from local county councillor Aaron Carey suggests the oil likely entered the stream through a culvert near Foundry House, indicating the source may lie somewhere to the south of that location.

The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil. It is not yet known whether the spill was accidental or the result of a possible attempted fuel theft.

Residents in St Daniel’s Hill, South Road and Orange Gardens are being urged to check their heating oil tanks for any signs of damage or unexplained loss.

Witnesses reported seeing a blue-green sheen on the water near the castle side earlier today, raising concerns about the extent of the contamination.

Clean-up efforts are ongoing, and members of the public may notice increased activity around the stream and pond while teams work to manage the incident.

Anyone with information or concerns is advised to contact the relevant authorities.

PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park committee members are to see their basic salaries rise by just under 6.5 per cent following recommendations backed at its full authority meeting.

At the Park meeting of March 25, members were asked to note the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru’s decisions in relation to the basic and senior salaries payable to national park authority members for the financial year 2026/27, and to determine which post(s) should be remunerated with a senior salary.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has 18 Members, 12 nominated by Pembrokeshire County Council, the remaining six appointed by the Welsh Government.

A report for members said: “The Commission has agreed that the basic salary for elected members will rise by 6.4 per cent, reflecting the increase in average earnings.

“In summary, the main changes to members’ remuneration for the financial year 2026/27 are: that the basic salary for ‘ordinary members’ is increased by £360 to £5,936 per annum; the senior salary for the chair of the authority will increase by £996 to £16,458, and the senior salary for the deputy chair of the authority and any other committee chairs or other senior posts will increase by £613 to £10,144.”

The new salary framework will come into effect on April 1.

The report stated: “In reaching its determinations, the Commission consider that a fair and reasonable remuneration package will continue to support elected and appointed members and not act as a barrier to participation.”

It added: “The annual report also reiterates the following facts: that a senior salary is paid inclusive of the basic salary; that there is a restriction on receiving double remuneration where a member holds more than one post.”

Three senior salaries are currently paid by the authority; the posts of chair and deputy chair of the authority, together with the chair of the development management committee, the report said.

Members unanimously approved the recommendations, with the remuneration rates for the three senior posts continuing as before.