News

New holiday lodges at Pembrokeshire deer park get approval

Published

1 year ago

January 17, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for disability-friendly holiday lodges at a Pembrokeshire deer park attraction which could be a Wales tourism “benchmark” have been backed, but a final decision is likely to rest with full council.

In an application recommended for refusal at the January 14 meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee, Mr and Mrs Evans are seeking permission for 15 lodges at Great Wedlock, Gumfreston, near Tenby, the site of a 176-acre deer farm attraction, which includes animals from the late Queen’s estate, and a more recently-granted market traders’ barn.

An earlier application for the lodges was recommended for refusal by officers at last July’s planning meeting, but, at the start of that meeting, members heard the application had been withdrawn at the agent’s behest.

Reasons for refusal given to members included it was outside of an identified settlement boundary in a countryside location, it was considered to have an adverse impact on visual amenity and did not include a Green Infrastructure statement.

The applicants have previously said build costs to complete the development would be circa £2m.

Following the withdrawal, amended proposals have been submitted by the applicants through agent Atriarc Planning, following a consultation recently held with St Florence Community Council.

St Florence Community Council did not support the previous application, but has supported the latest scheme.

Speaking at the January meeting, Alan Jones, on behalf of the community council, said it was now supporting the “much-improved design” which, amongst other concerns, now addressed the issue of a much wider range of disabilities – including the blind and deaf and hard of hearing – rather than just wheelchair use.

Applicant Andrew Evans told the meeting the proposals would support a whole raft of people with varying disabilities, Great Wedlock already taking a “head-on” approach supporting people with disabilities through special vehicles at the deer park, and encouraging people with disabilities to apply for staff vacancies.

“This is not an application for yet another holiday park, it is a well thought out one for those who have a disability, which will make them a majority rather than a minority; it will make us at the forefront for people in Wales to visit with a disability.”

Local member, Cllr Rhys Jordan moved the application be supported in spite of an officer recommendation for refusal, saying it was “an opportunity to address a clear shortage [for disability-friendly accommodation] and a chance for Pembrokeshire to lead the way in accessible tourism,” adding: “Most importantly the lodges will be 100 per cent accessible and set a benchmark, positioning Pembrokeshire as a leader in accessible tourism.”

He finished: “Approve this forward-thinking proposal today.”

Officers have recommended planners refuse the scheme, for similar reasons to previously, saying the material considerations put forward in the agent’s supporting planning statement “are not sufficient to overcome the conflict with relevant Development Plan policies”.

Members voted 11 in favour to two against supporting the scheme.

The committee’s backing of the proposal takes the form of a ‘minded to’ support, meaning the proposal will return to a future meeting as it is against an officer recommendation, and, if supported a second time, will ultimately have to be decided by full council, in this case potentially at the March meeting.

The applicants’ previous scheme for the trading barn took an identical route, being decided by full council after repeatedly being recommended for refusal.

News

Fatal crash appeal after driver dies on A44 near Aberystwyth

Published

38 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a driver died in a crash on the A44.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the collision happened at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (May 5) on the A44 between Capel Bangor and Goginan, near Aberystwyth

The crash involved a single vehicle, a white Volkswagen Golf, which was travelling eastbound towards Goginan when it left the carriageway.

Sadly, the driver died at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Police confirmed there were no other passengers in the vehicle.

Officers are now asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Charity

Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT

A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.

The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.

The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.

Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.

Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.

The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.

Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.