News

Wind turbine approved at second attempt

Published

10 years ago

November 25, 2014

AN APPLICATION for a wind turbine was approved by eight votes to four at Tuesday’s (Oct 7) Planning and Rights of Way meeting. The turbine will be located on Mountain Park in Hayscastle and will be 21m to hub height and 27m to blade tip. The application came before the committee as the plans had been submitted under a different application in 2013. On that occasion the turbine was rejected as the visual impact assessment was considered inadequate by officers. The new application has not had any objection from the National Park Authority or from Hayscastle Community Council but there were 47 letters of objection.

Cllr Tom Richards said: “This application was with us in July 2013 and we’ve had considerable time to consider the matter. This turbine is to provide a power supply for the applicant’s farm. It is not considered that the landscape impact would change and the small scale of the turbine has also been emphasised.” Speaking on behalf of the objectors, Ray Simpson said: “Here we are again, how has this happened? This is an identical proposal at the same height and at the same location that was put to you in July 2013 and was rejected by you.

In his report to you at that meeting he says: ‘The turbine would be readily visible in the immediate vicinity for example, along the main country road between Hayscastle and Castle Morris and the adjoining country lanes.’ This area of countryside is particularly open in character and it’s overlooked by the Preseli Mountains some 10km to the north east.It is considered therefore that the turbine, by virtue of its location, siting and scale would not be compatible with the capacity and character of the area. It was considered that the turbine could have a detrimental, cumulative impact on the landscape when considered with others having regard to the open nature of the landscape and the proximity to the National Park.

As such the proposal would be contrary to the requirements of criteria 1 and 3 of policy GN 1.” He then went on to explain: “Finally the director of development wrote: ‘the proposal would result in an adverse impact on the immediate vicinity in an area that has limited capacity to accommodate large structures’.There are no conditions that could be imposed that would acceptably mitigate the harmful effects. The benefits of the scheme, in terms of renewable energy, do not outweigh the harmful impacts.So nothing has changed in the landscape since last year, since those comments were written. So it’s a bit difficult as an outsider to conclude that perhaps the planning authority is a bit more overbound by the number of appeals they are suffering.

There are 46 objections from local people to this proposal. The proposal would severely impact on our lives. The turbine would be directly in our sight line. The turbine would be visible for miles across the countryside, as far away as Roch. An industrial sized turbine of this scale would be completely out of character and as the council’s planning officer stated last year this landscape is incapable of absorbing the proposed turbine. Please, let’s do the right thing, let’s not spoil this piece of countryside, let’s refuse it.”

Cllr Brian Hall said: “This is 8 metres lower than our previous application this morning – that’s quite significantly lower. I think this application has met the concerns and if the National Park had objected it would be something for us to consider refusal. There were 76 objections last time, this time there are only 47 now. If we refuse this it is highly likely that this will go to appeal and I will move the recommendation for approval.” Cllr Keith Lewis added: “I spoke in support on the last occasion this came to us and this time there are no planning grounds for refusal. Size does have a considerable bearing but it does meet the criteria that are laid down.” Cllr Phil Baker asked: “What has changed in the last 12 months?” The Council’s presenting officer Kerry Jones added: “Last time it was supported by poor quality information. We have now got a proper extensive planning application that does allow us to make the judgement calls.” The turbine was passed by eight votes to four.

News

Man remanded in custody after trespassing with intention to commit sexual act

Published

8 hours ago

October 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A FISHGUARD man who has admitted the attempted strangulation of a woman and of trespassing at an unidentified address with the intention of committing a sexual act has appeared before Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

Benjamin Guiver, 34, was listed for sentence this afternoon (Monday, October 7) however his sentencing was adjourned after barristers went into counsel following the request of the defence.

Guiver, of Heol Glyndwr, Fishguard also stands to be sentenced for the grievous bodily harm of a victim described by Dyfed-Powys Police officers as having sustained ‘serious facial injuries’ in ‘a reportedly sustained attack’ and the sexual assault of a woman by penetration. He has pleaded guilty to all four offences.

Guiver’s sentencing will now proceed on October 18 and the defendant was remanded in custody.

News

Communities Taking the Lead to get Better Broadband

Published

9 hours ago

October 7, 2024

Luke Sinclair

Locals in Dale, Pembrokeshire successfully use UK Government’s Project Gigabit voucher scheme to connect the village with high-speed internet

Dale, a small rural community on the coast of Pembrokeshire has long endured poor internet connectivity that has plagued its residents with little to no ability to use the internet for work, communication or entertainment. With the movement of most services and day-to-day tasks to online, having limited internet access was having a detrimental effect on residents who were experiencing firsthand the digital divide.

However, after being told about a UK Government funded project by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Digital Champions, this has now thankfully changed and much of Dale is now connected to gigabit-capable broadband that serves the whole village.

Project Gigabit aims to provide lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband (1,000 Mbps) to homes and businesses across the UK. With £5 billion UK Government investment, it targets areas that currently have poor internet connectivity, enabling them to have access to the same high-speed internet as urban areas.

With the voucher scheme, residents and businesses in eligible areas have been able to apply for financial help to cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “Connecting our rural communities is a significant step in the digital infrastructure of Pembrokeshire.

“Along with our partners, this extensive programme of work has transformed full fibre connectivity and will futureproof the network in our county.

“The commitment from this authority will ensure our communities won’t be left without connection.

“There is more to do, but thanks to a proactive approach by the County Council, full fibre will be offered to more and more communities all the time.”

The benefits of being better connected rurally are uncontested with the results already being seen in Dale. From helping local businesses to improving access to digital services, having reliable, fast internet access has been the core of the connectivity solution for the Pembrokeshire village.

Going forward, the UK Government ‘Project Gigabit’ is about making sure everyone in the UK, no matter where they live, has access to fast and reliable internet, bridging the digital divide and providing the opportunity for every harder to reach community to stay connected.

Crime

Pembrokeshire chef admits causing taxi driver’s death

Published

12 hours ago

October 7, 2024

Court Reporter

A CHEF from Pembrokeshire has admitted causing the death local taxi driver, Christopher Boyle.

Mateusz Sikorski, 30, formerly of Manorbier and now residing in the Narberth area, appeared at Swansea Crown Court today, Monday, 7 October. Sikorski pleaded guilty to causing the death of 57-year-old Mr Boyle on 2 September 2024 while driving a BMW Series 1 car on the A4139 in Penally.

Sikorski was initially arrested and charged shortly after the incident and first appeared at Llanelli Magistrates Court on 5 September, where he was remanded in custody. However, on 12 September, Sikorski was granted bail with several strict conditions: he must reside in the Narberth area, adhere to an 8 pm-8 am curfew, and report to a police station weekly. He was also issued an interim driving ban.

The fatal crash, which involved Sikorski’s car and Mr Boyle’s silver Volkswagen taxi, occurred on the Penally by-pass near Tenby. Mr Boyle, affectionately known as “Mucker,” was a father-of-five and a well-known figure in the community. Sadly, he died at the scene of the collision.