Business

Battery storage system by Pembroke Power Station approved

Published

1 year ago

January 19, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SCHEME for a battery storage facility near Pembroke Power Station which will put the county at “the forefront of South Wales’ low-carbon future” has been approved by county planners.

In an application recommended for conditional approval the January meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee, RWE Generation UK plc sought permission for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of up to 212 battery units including ancillary works, along with a connection to the National Grid on land next to Pembroke Power Station, Pwllcrochan, Pembroke.

An officer report for planners said: “The application site comprises an area of approximately 32 hectares of primarily agricultural land within the countryside, to the south of Pembroke Power Station.

“As well as the main part of the application site that would accommodate the BESS, the application site also includes a linear cable route to connect the BESS to the National Grid substation located adjacent to Pembroke Power Station, temporary construction laydown areas and a new means of access from the main power station access road to the west.”

Members heard that extensive mitigation was planned for visual impacts related to the proposal.

Speaking at the meeting, project manager Victoria Williamson said RWE wanted the Pembrokeshire site to be “at the forefront of South Wales’ low-carbon future,” the battery facility providing storage of excess electrical energy from the ‘grid, contributing to a consistent energy framework by storing energy at peaks and making it available for periods of higher demand.

Members heard local town and community councils had been liaised with, and local households had been informed of the scheme, with “overwhelming support for the proposal”.

Following a request for information from Cllr Alan Dennison, members were told that, if approved, it was hoped the scheme would start at the end of 2025, and be operational by early 2028.

Moving approval, Cllr Brian Hall said: “If we don’t go down this line, to be honest I don’t think the power station will stay there; it’s essential to go down this green energy, with the extra staff and benefits to the Pembrokeshire economy I think it’s marvellous, I have no hesitation whatsoever to move this recommendation.”

The recommendation for conditional delegated approval from the council’s head of planning, once a draft Habitat Regulations Assessment had been ratified, was unanimously passed by committee members.

Business

Plans for new flats in Merlin’s Hill conservation area approved

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A call to convert a former guest house in Haverfordwest’s conservation area to flats has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr J Wandrum, through agent Ian Bartlett Planning and Architectural Services, sought a change of use of the nine-bed Normandie House guest house, 1 Merlin’s Hill, to four flats.

A supporting statement said planning permission for a change of use had previously been granted back in 2015 but was never implemented, the existing use continuing.

It added: “The submitted application seeks consent for the change of use of the building from a nine-bedroom guest house to create four self-contained flats (three two-bed flats and one one-bed). The conversion does not require any extension or significant external alteration of the building.

“The overall impact of the scheme upon residential amenity of neighbouring properties would be no greater than the former guest house use and in discussions with immediate neighbours the applicant has informed that this proposal is welcomed by them. No matters related to protected species are envisaged and no work that might affect any habitat is proposed.”

It went on to say there were no surface water drainage issues related to this proposal as there is no change to the amount of surface water to be disposed of.

“Mains foul drainage is connected, and it is considered that there will be a reduction in the foul flows generated from the site when judged against the guest house use.”

The application was conditionally approved by planning officers under delegated powers, the approval saying: “This application has been screened in accordance with Natural Resources Wales’ interim advice for planning applications within the river Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) catchments. It is considered that this development is unlikely to increase phosphate inputs.”

Business

Blas brings Pembrokeshire flavours to Cardiff with ‘Blas in the City’ at The Parkgate Hotel

Published

16 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BLAS RESTAURANT, the three AA rosette dining destination known for its modern Welsh cooking and deep connection to Pembrokeshire’s land and coast, is heading to the capital for a special three-day pop-up: Blas in the City, taking place from Thursday 26 February to Saturday 28 February 2026 at The Sorting Room in Cardiff’s landmark Parkgate Hotel.

For a limited time only, Cardiff diners are invited to experience the flavours, creativity and storytelling that define Blas — without leaving the city. Working alongside The Parkgate Hotel’s kitchen team, Blas Head Chefs Dan Slipakiv and Gareth Evans will present a bespoke menu showcasing the best of seasonal Welsh produce, with refined, flavour-led dishes inspired by Wales’s rich natural larder.

“Blas in the City is an exciting opportunity for us to share what we do with a new audience,” said Blas Head Chef Gareth Evans. “We’re proud of our Pembrokeshire roots, and this collaboration allows us to bring the spirit, flavours and creativity of Blas to Cardiff.”

Hosted in The Sorting Room — a Michelin Guide-listed, two AA rosette restaurant — the pop-up combines Blas’s bold contemporary style with the elegance of one of Cardiff’s most celebrated dining rooms.

Event details

Dates: 26–28 February 2026

Lunch: 12:30pm – 3:45pm

Dinner: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Location: The Sorting Room, The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff

Dress code: Smart casual

Guests can book for lunch or dinner across all three days, with exclusive menus available throughout the event.

Blas in the City reflects the restaurant’s ongoing commitment to championing Welsh food, seasonal cooking and meaningful collaborations — offering guests the chance to enjoy something genuinely memorable.

Bookings are now open and availability is limited.
https://www.theparkgatehotel.wales/home/restaurant-bar/blas-in-the-city/

About Blas Restaurant

Blas is a three AA rosette contemporary Welsh restaurant rooted in Pembrokeshire, celebrating outstanding local produce, bold flavours and a strong sense of place. The name “Blas”, meaning “taste” in Welsh, reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of thoughtful, ingredient-led cooking inspired by land and sea.

Business

Wind turbine blade convoy rolls through Pembroke Dock to Waterston

Published

18 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police escort guides huge component to Dragon LNG site as renewable upgrade continues

PEMBROKESHIRE residents were treated to an unusual sight on Monday (Jan 19) as a massive wind turbine blade was transported through Pembroke Dock under police escort.

The blade — stretching the length of a passenger aircraft wing — was carried on a specialist extendable trailer and moved slowly through the town before continuing towards the Dragon LNG site.

Footage shared online by Hidden Pembrokeshire – Gareth Davies Photography showed officers stopping traffic at junctions and roundabouts to allow the abnormal load to pass safely, with spotters walking alongside to guide the driver through tight bends and narrow sections of road.

Onlookers said the scale of the blade was striking up close, and many stopped to film the carefully managed convoy as it made its way along the route.

The delivery is part of ongoing works linked to new wind turbines being installed next to the Dragon LNG terminal, aimed at generating cleaner electricity for the site and helping to cut emissions in Pembrokeshire.

Further movements of turbine components are expected as the project continues.