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2000 affordable homes target in proposed council planning changes

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A FORMAL consultation on changes to Pembrokeshire’s local development plan, with an ambition to create nearly 2,000 affordable homes, is to go ahead.

At an extraordinary council meeting taking place on September 13, councillors approved a public consultation on the Replacement Pembrokeshire County Council Local Development Plan (2017-2033) – LDP 2, Deposit Plan 2.

The consultation will take place later this year and run for a minimum of six weeks.

The Local Development Plan (LDP) sets out the local policy framework for determining planning applications and directing growth in the part of Pembrokeshire for which the county council has planning jurisdiction.

The report and proposal for a consultation was presented – and the recommendation moved – by Cabinet Member for Planning & Regulatory Services Cllr Jacob Williams, who tempted fate and superstition by pointing out that not only was the meeting being held on Friday 13, but the recommendation in the report was on page 13.

The report for members stated: “Pembrokeshire County Council’s current LDP was adopted in 2013 and has an end date of 2021, although it remains in force as the adoption of the plan pre-dated the formal introduction of statutory end dates for LDPs in Wales.

“Nonetheless the current LDP is now more than 11 years old and the need to prepare and adopt a replacement LDP is paramount, in order to make provision for the new growth needed to support communities and businesses up until 2033 and to protect and enhance Pembrokeshire’s environment.”

The new LDP2 includes a 60/40 per cent split between new dwellings proposed in the urban and rural areas, with a target of 5,840 dwellings, 2,000 of them affordable.

There are three strategic residential allocations made by LDP 2:  Slade Lane, Haverfordwest; Maesgwynne, Fishguard; and South of Conway Drive, Steynton, intended to provide 622 new dwellings between them.

In town centre developments, protected retail frontages are retained but their extent has generally been reduced, with no residential use at ground floor level in the primary frontages, residential use above ground floor level being supported.

Two solar array allocations are included in the plan, at Llanstadwell and Wolfscastle, and a coastal change policy, which limits development in areas vulnerable to flooding due to sea-level rise.

A new policy on water quality, including protection of water resources, is also included, responding to the river water quality issues in the Cleddau and Teifi catchments.

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said there was a need for additional affordable housing, expressing his frustration at some developers “trying to chip away” affordable housing promises in developments.

The consultation is expected to be launched later this autumn.

 

Community

Residents return home after major Carmarthenshire fire as probe continues

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RESIDENTS forced to evacuate their homes following a major fire in Kidwelly have now been allowed to return, as emergency services confirm the scene has been stood down.

The blaze broke out at a property on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), with emergency services called at around 4:20am. Several neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution while firefighters tackled the incident and assessed the safety of surrounding buildings.

In the latest update, Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers have now left the scene and displaced residents were able to return to their properties on Thursday evening (March 26), following work to make the affected building safe.

The incident caused significant disruption in the town, with Lady Street remaining closed while further work is carried out to ensure the safety of the highway and surrounding structures.

Emergency services, including Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, were on the scene for several hours during the initial response. Crews were understood to have dealt with a serious property fire, prompting a large-scale emergency operation in the centre of the town.

While the immediate danger has now passed, authorities have confirmed that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the area between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).

Anyone with information is urged to contact police quoting reference 027 of 24/3, either via 101, online, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Authorities thanked residents and the wider community for their patience during the incident, which saw homes evacuated and roads closed while emergency services carried out their work.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

 

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West Wales fire crews sharpen skills in major training exercise

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FIREFIGHTERS from across west Wales took part in a large-scale training exercise designed to sharpen operational skills and strengthen teamwork.

Crews from the Western Division of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the development day at Earlswood Training Centre on Sunday (March 22).

Personnel travelled from stations including Carmarthen, Tumble, Newcastle Emlyn, Milford Haven, Narberth and Pontyates to take part in the exercise.

Realistic scenarios

Firefighters were put through a series of realistic scenarios designed to reflect incidents they may face on duty.

These included house fires with people reported inside, kitchen fires, and multi-vehicle road traffic collisions. Crews also carried out specialist line rescue exercises as part of the day.

Support staff played the roles of casualties and members of the public, adding to the realism and allowing firefighters to test their responses in lifelike conditions.

Large-scale finale

The training culminated in a complex car fire scenario involving a vehicle inside a garage attached to a property, with reports of people trapped.

Teams worked together as they would at a real incident, tackling the fire while carrying out rescues within the building.

Building capability

The exercise was described as a success, helping to build operational confidence and improve coordination between different stations.

It also provided an opportunity for crews to share knowledge and specialist skills, strengthening the overall capability of the service.

The training forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure firefighters remain prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies across the region.

 

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Community

Three Amigos Easter Run roars through Pembrokeshire

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MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts turned out in force today (Saturday, March 28) as the popular Three Amigos Easter Run returned to the roads of Pembrokeshire.

The annual ride, now a firm favourite in the local biking calendar, saw a colourful convoy of motorbikes travel through towns and countryside, drawing crowds of spectators along the route.

Riders of all ages and backgrounds took part, with everything from classic machines to modern superbikes on display. Many participants embraced the Easter theme, with bikes decorated and riders donning festive outfits, adding to the atmosphere of the day.

The event is not only a celebration of the region’s strong motorcycling community but also an opportunity to bring people together, with families lining the streets to watch the procession pass through.

Organisers said the run once again highlighted the camaraderie among bikers and the support the event receives from local communities.

One rider said: “It’s a brilliant day every year. The turnout has been fantastic, and it’s great to see so many people out supporting us.”

The Three Amigos Easter Run has grown steadily in popularity, becoming a key date in the Easter weekend calendar and a showcase for Pembrokeshire’s vibrant biking scene.

With fine weather and strong attendance, this year’s event is expected to be remembered as one of the best yet.

Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald

 

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