News

Pembroke South Quay second phase approved by just one vote

Published

2 years ago

November 11, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a community hub and associated works, part of the second phase of Pembroke’s South Quay Regeneration Scheme, were given the go-ahead by just one casting vote, despite “unanimous” local objection.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, at their November 7 meeting, were recommended to approve an application by the local authority for the erection of a community hub with associated infrastructure works.

Led by Pembrokeshire County Council, the South Quay project, below Pembroke Castle, includes the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed 7 Northgate Street; demolition of the existing public toilets; construction of a four-storey ‘L-shape’ extension building, a three-storey frontage to South Quay and the extension of a public space and reconfiguration within the car park.

The community hub would provide a service for older people, learning and skills areas to support independent living, and continued education for people with disability, and supported employment opportunities.

Pembroke Town Council, Pembroke Castle Trust, Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society, and local resident Richard Naylor all objected to the proposal, saying it would be an overdevelopment of the conservation area which would not preserve its character, and would tower over neighbouring buildings such as the nearby Royal George hotel.

At the November meeting, Pembroke town councillor Linda Asman said it “strongly objected” to the application at the “sensitive heritage sire”, describing it as an “unsympathetic development,” near the Grade I-listed castle, with the social hub better sited elsewhere.

Cllr Asman said town council hopes the development would be used to boost tourism were being “completely ignored,” with what was presented a “fait accompli”.

Peter Thomas, chair of Pembroke Civic Trust, also objected to the scheme, describing it as “a very modern development not in keeping with its surroundings,” which would dwarf the neighbouring historic Royal George Hotel, and would be “clearly visible from the castle ramparts”.

He said a better location for a social services hub would be the nearby Riverside site, adding: “It is surely part of your remit to protect our heritage”.

Councillor Jonathan Grimes, one of two local members representing the ward, said there was “unanimous objection” locally to the plans, which would have “a lasting and profound impact on the town”.

Councillor Brian Hall, of neighbouring Pembroke Dock, reluctantly moved approval of the application but expressed concern at what he saw as a lack of local consultation.

After mentioning a previous scheme proposed for the area some 35 years beforehand which didn’t reach fruition, he said: “If we do refuse this today it’s going to be something that drags on; at the moment it’s a mess, but there could’ve been a far better proposal.”

Councillor Mark Carter said he would vote against the application, citing the concerns of local objectors, a view shared by Councillor John Cole, who said the scheme should “go back to the drawing board,” rather than an outright refusal.

Members were told by officers the scheme, as a major application, had been consulted.

After a lengthy debate, six councillors voted in favour of the scheme, and six against, committee chair Cllr Jacob Williams voting again, in favour of conditional approval of the application.

Community

Final chance to invest in historic Boncath community cottage

Published

3 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS in North Pembrokeshire have just days left to invest in a unique community project to purchase a historic Victorian corrugated cottage in Boncath for £12,000.

After a month of gathering support, volunteers behind the initiative are holding a final public meeting at the cottage on Saturday (Apr 4) from 11:00am to 12:00 noon. The event offers a last opportunity for new investors to join the cooperative and for existing supporters to view the building they now collectively own.

The cottage has served the community for more than 130 years. Since the 1930s it has been home to the Boncath WI, while earlier uses included a sawmill office and a rent collection point for the local estate.

The meeting will be led by Cris Tomos of Narberth-based community development organisation PLANED, who will explain how the scheme works and the financial incentives available. Investors contributing £500 may qualify for 50% tax relief through the UK Government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS).

A similar model was successfully used in nearby Crymych, where community investors raised £210,000 to purchase and reopen the Crymych Arms pub.

Supporters can invest by contacting [email protected]
or downloading forms via the Bwthyn Boncath Facebook page. Printed forms are also available from Boncath Village Shop and Post Office.

Following the purchase, organisers plan to launch a wider community share offer at £50 per share to encourage broader local ownership.

The long-term vision is to transform the building into a small heritage centre, celebrating Boncath’s history and collecting local stories, photographs and artefacts for future generations.

For further information, contact Cris Tomos on 07974 099738 or email [email protected]
.

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

4 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

News

Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates

Published

4 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.

Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.

He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”

He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.

Full candidate list

The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.

Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.

Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.

Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.

Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.

Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.

The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.

Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.

The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.