A MULTI-MILLION pound housing and care development in Haverfordwest has officially moved into the construction phase, with groundworks now underway at the Tŷ Haverfordia site.

Contractor Wynne Construction has begun work on the scheme at the former Haverfordia House site, marking the milestone with a turf-cutting ceremony attended by project partners and local representatives.

The development will provide 26 sheltered apartments for people aged over fifty-five, alongside a purpose-built twelve-bed reablement centre aimed at supporting residents returning home from hospital and regaining independence.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and is expected to play an important role in easing pressure on local health and social care services.

Developers say they will work closely with local suppliers and businesses during the build to maximise benefits to the regional economy.

Measures have also been put in place to minimise disruption during construction, including maintaining pedestrian access and ensuring parking arrangements remain in place for nearby facilities.

Once complete, the scheme is expected to provide modern, high-quality accommodation tailored to the needs of older residents, while helping to free up hospital capacity across west Wales.

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.