35 affordable homes to replace fire-damaged site in Pembroke Dock

THE REDEVELOPMENT of the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel site in Pembroke Dock has taken a significant step forward, as Castell Group and Pembrokeshire County Council confirm the completion of the site sale.

The site, which has stood derelict since a devastating fire in 2019, was acquired unconditionally by Castell Group in April 2024. Since then, planning permission and Sustainable Drainage (SAB) approval have been secured, clearing the way for construction to begin.

Using a social housing grant from the Welsh Government, the new scheme will deliver 35 affordable homes—providing a mix of social, supported, and intermediate rental properties. All homes will be owned and managed by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The development marks a key milestone in bringing a long-neglected brownfield site back into use, with anticipated economic and social benefits for the wider area.

Dorian Payne, Managing Director of Castell Group, said: “We are delighted to reach this critical stage in the redevelopment of the Cleddau Bridge Hotel site. We are excited to move forward with construction in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council.”

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing, welcomed the news: “This site has been derelict since the fire in 2019 so it’s fantastic news that it will now be developed into high-quality affordable housing. We are committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing and this development, in one of our largest towns, will play a part in meeting the demand for housing in Pembrokeshire.”

Local member Cllr Joshua Beynon added: “I am really pleased to see the Council developing this piece of land that has been left as an eyesore since it caught fire some years ago. Housing is what we need, and I’m really pleased to see it happening here.”

Work on site is expected to begin shortly.

Anyone interested in applying for one of the new homes is advised to ensure their housing application is up to date. For further information, contact the Customer Liaison Team at [email protected] or call 01437 764551.

Senedd report urges urgent regulation to protect homeowners from unfair private fees

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is being urged to take swift action to regulate the growing problem of unregulated maintenance fees charged by private estate management companies on new housing developments.

A report by the Senedd’s Petitions Committee has highlighted the mounting burden placed on homeowners across Wales, who are being hit with annual charges—ranging from £50 to £500—for the upkeep of communal areas, including roads, green spaces, parks and drainage systems, despite already paying full council tax.

Nicknamed “fleecehold” by campaigners, the practice has come under fire for its lack of transparency, with many residents reporting they are given no breakdown of how their fees are spent, and no say in the level or quality of service provided.

The Committee is now calling on the Welsh Government to implement a standardised regulatory framework for the management of new housing estates. Key recommendations include the introduction of a public register to clarify responsibility for each estate asset, and the adoption of best practices from Scotland’s Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 to improve oversight and accountability.

Carolyn Thomas MS, Chair of the Petitions Committee, said: “The evidence heard during this inquiry makes a strong case for tighter regulation. The current situation has been described as ‘the wild west’—a patchwork of good and bad practices with no real protections for homeowners.

“We are calling on the Welsh Government to bring in legal safeguards that ensure future residents are treated fairly, while also looking at what can be done to support those already affected.”

Campaigners say the lack of oversight leaves families vulnerable to escalating charges and poor service, with little recourse to challenge decisions. The proposed reforms would bring clarity and fairness to an increasingly widespread issue affecting thousands of homeowners in Wales.

NRW accused of risking long-term damage to Welsh environment

A SENEDD committee has issued a scathing report on Natural Resources Wales (NRW), accusing the body of failing to uphold its environmental responsibilities and mishandling both public funds and public trust.

The report, published this week by the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, raises “grave concern” over NRW’s decision to stop responding to so-called low-category incidents—including fly-tipping, minor chemical spills, and low-level water pollution.

NRW claims these incidents, which form the bulk of reports to its front-line teams, usually result in no serious environmental harm. The agency says it wants to focus instead on major breaches and preventative work.

But the Committee warned that such an approach risks allowing cumulative damage to the Welsh environment.

“We are gravely concerned that Natural Resources Wales is adopting a higher tolerance of risk,” the report states. “Low-level pollution can still have a damaging impact, especially over time. This change in approach could result in real harm to our natural environment.”

Stretched resources, legal obligations

The report acknowledges that funding pressures have left NRW “stretched too thin” to meet its legal duties. However, it insists that consistent enforcement and visible presence across Wales are essential.

Visitor centre closures criticised

The Committee also condemned NRW’s decision to close three key visitor centres—at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ynyslas, and Coed y Brenin—without a clear plan to replace services.

Although NRW is now seeking commercial partners to take over food and beverage operations at the sites, the report states the closures were “premature” and have damaged public confidence.

“New proposals should have been developed before the centres were closed,” the report says. “We urge NRW to publish a clear timetable and communicate transparently with affected communities.”

£19 million tax blunder

A separate section of the report highlights a serious financial error. NRW’s failure to correctly follow IR35 tax rules for contractors led to the Welsh Government being forced to pay £19 million to HMRC.

“This is a serious governance failure,” the Committee said. “It is highly regrettable that taxpayers’ money is being diverted from vital services to pay for such errors.”

NRW said it has since overhauled its procedures and used external consultants to avoid a repeat. But the Committee is calling for a full independent review and further reassurances.

NRW defends changes

In a statement issued on Tuesday (May 20), interim chief executive Ceri Davies defended staff and emphasised ongoing reforms.

“We are not standing still,” she said. “We’re focused on building a more agile and future-ready organisation. Our goal is to make sure every pound we spend delivers maximum environmental value.”

NRW confirmed it will prioritise incidents that pose the greatest risk to public health or the environment, with an increasing focus on prevention and compliance.

While some visitor centres are now unstaffed, public access to trails, car parks and play areas remains open. NRW says it is working with local businesses and communities to provide replacement services.

With Wales facing intensifying threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the report concludes that robust and proactive environmental oversight is more vital than ever—and that NRW must urgently rebuild trust and capacity.