News
Plan overseeing development in Pembrokeshire needs public views before completion
PEMBROKEHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is preparing a replacement Local Development Plan that will provide overarching guidance for developments until 2033. This covers the area of Pembrokeshire excluding the National Park.
A second Deposit Local Development Plan 2 has been prepared following new guidance published by Natural Resources Wales on phosphate levels and delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to the previously consulted on Plan.
A consultation on this second Deposit Local Development Plan 2 is being held between 21 October 2024 and 16 December 2024, which will provide an opportunity for members of the public to support or object to the Plan.
It is not possible to take forward any representations or comments that were made on the first Deposit Local Development Plan 2.
The second Deposit Local Development Plan 2 (the Plan) identifies a need for 5,840 new homes between 2017 and 2033 (365 a year) including 2,000 affordable homes.
Residents are advised to look at the Plan text and maps to view proposals in their area. The Plan proposes revised town and village boundaries (known as settlement boundaries) and a range of sites are allocated (identified) for different land uses, including 54 sites for housing.
The Plan will provide opportunities for growth across the Plan area in rural as well as urban settlements. This should enable the growth of rural Welsh speaking communities.
The Plan proposes the introduction of Space standards to help future proof homes, making them adaptable and flexible
The Plan identifies a range of industrial sites (known as Strategic Employment Sites) presenting opportunities linked to existing businesses, as well as opportunities for new large-scale investment. Local Employment Sites are also identified, to support local employment growth. An extension to an existing quarry site is identified for new Minerals workings.
The Plan seeks to respond to the challenges of Climate Change by including policies and designations to protect sites and species that are of importance for their biodiversity and nature conservation interest, open spaces and Green Wedges. New growth is directed to sustainable locations. Proposals for vulnerable uses are directed away from flood risk areas and new development will be limited in areas at risk because of climate change. All new dwellings will be built to high quality, energy efficient designs and will incorporate charging points for Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles. Two sites for Solar Photovoltaic arrays are identified.
The Plan and related documents are available to view on the Council’s website at: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/local-development-plan-review/deposit
Paper copies are also available at County Hall, Haverfordwest and in local Libraries, during normal opening hours.
- If you wish to have your say on the Plan you can do so using the Representations Form available online www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/local-development-plan-review/deposit . This form should be used for making comments wherever possible.
- Please email your representation forms to [email protected] or post to The Development Plans Team, County Hall, Freeman’s Way, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1TP by midnight on the 16 December 2024.
- The drop-in sessions will take place at the following locations:
Venue | Date |
Crymych Leisure Centre, 1500-1800, | Monday 21st October |
Milford Haven Leisure Centre, 1500-1800 | Tuesday 22nd October |
Templeton Community Centre1500-1800 | Wednesday 23rd October |
Fishguard Leisure Centre1500-1800 | Friday 25th of October |
Pembrokeshire Archives, Prendergast, Haverfordwest 1500-1800 | Monday 4th November |
Pembroke Dock Town Council Offices, Dimond Street 1500-1800 | Tuesday 5th of November |
Pembroke Town Hall 1500-1800 | Friday 8th of November |
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.
From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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