News

New campervan park plans for Fishguard divides council

Published

10 months ago

February 2, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE COUTNY COUNCIL plans for an overnight motorhome and campervan parking site close to Fishguard’s ferry have been lodged, but some of its own officers are recommending refusal as they would not be able to enforce any noise complaints.

A trial scheme for overnight motorhome parking facilities at the Goodwick Moor car park, The Parrog, was mooted last year after a February 2024 council Cabinet-backed trial scheme for ‘Pembs Stop’ campervan and motorhomes facilities at four car parks was later dropped.

It had initially been agreed that car parks at North Beach, Tenby; Goodwick Moor, Goodwick; Townsmoor, Narberth; and Western Way, Pembroke Dock would form the trial areas operating year-round at £10 a night for a trial 18-month period, with the intention not to create ‘campsites’.

That planned trial received national coverage, with a discussion on a phone-in programme on BBC Radio Wales.

Local tourism businesses had said the proposals will harm them, and concerns about the trial were also raised by the official tourism industry group for Pembrokeshire, Visit Pembrokeshire.

Following that, a special council scrutiny committee meeting was held last April where the scheme was overwhelmingly rejected; a later September 2024 Cabinet agreeing to not proceed with the scheme but instead trial an overnight stopover facility for motorhomes at Goodwick Moor car park, linked to the ferry port, the 18-month trial expected to start this March.

A formal planning application for a conditional change of use of the Goodwick Moor Car Park scheme “to allow for the sleeping overnight between 7am and 9am for motorhomes/camper vans only” has now been submitted by the council but the authority’s own Pollution Control Team is recommending refusal.

In its report, the team says: “The Pollution Control Team have a history of complaints associated with this particular location where it has been utilised for overnight parking of heavy goods vehicles. Noise nuisance complaints from nearby residential properties were received as well as concerns for insanitary conditions and improper waste disposal arising from lack of toiletry and refuse collection and disposal facilities/provisions for the location.”

It says the proposal “would undoubtedly represent an intensification of the site for the overnighting of transient vehicles” adding: “This intensification and its significant potential to adversely impact upon the locality does not appear to have been considered due to the lack of any mitigations and/or controls being recommended within the application submitted”.

It says it would be placed in an untenable position where it would not be able to enforce any noise complaints at a site where it has “historically been an issue for overnighting vehicles “through a noise abatement notice.

“As the source of the noise would be transitory, overnighting vehicles accessing and egressing the site, the persons then responsible would be the owner/operator of the facility.

“As the development site is in the ownership of the local authority, the applicant, the Pollution Control Team, as part of that authority, would be unable to address any future adverse impacts upon public health and the local amenity as legally they are unable to enforce relevant legislation upon the local authority that they are a part of.

“Therefore, considering the evaluation of the application submitted and following consultation with the Public Protection Divisions manager the Pollution Control Team would recommend refusal for this particular planning application for the reasons detailed above.”

News

Welsh Labour confirms ranked candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin

Published

58 minutes ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WELSH LABOUR has confirmed the ranked list of candidates for the new Senedd constituency of Sir Gaerfyrddin.

The party selected a shortlist for each of Wales’ sixteen new constituencies earlier this summer, with local members taking part in recent weeks to determine the order of their preferred candidates.

Candidates have already been announced for Clwyd, Sir Fynwy, Torfaen, Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr, Gŵyr Abertawe, and Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd.

Welsh Labour’s ranked candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Calum Higgins
Dawn Evans
Martyn Palfreman
David Darkin
Lewis Davies
Andre McPherson

The rankings remain provisional and will require formal endorsement by the Welsh Executive Committee. Further announcements for the remaining constituencies are expected in the coming weeks.

Climate

Milford Haven’s unique seabed habitat revealed in major new study

Published

2 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A NEW scientific study has revealed the distinct and ecologically significant nature of Milford Haven’s maerl beds, shedding fresh light on how one of Wales’ most fragile underwater habitats can be protected for the future.

Maerl beds are slow-growing, coral-like accumulations of red algae that form intricate structures on the seabed. These habitats support a wide range of marine species and act as important stores of blue carbon, helping absorb and lock away carbon dioxide.

The research, led by the University of Exeter with contributions from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), used Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to analyse maerl samples from Pembrokeshire to Cornwall. The data allowed scientists to assess genetic diversity across the region and identify the populations most at risk from environmental pressures and human activity.

Crucially, the study found that Milford Haven’s maerl bed is genetically distinct from other sites, underlining its uniqueness and highlighting the need for site-specific protection.

Dr Frances Ratcliffe, Senior Marine Environmental Assessment Officer for NRW, said:
“This research highlights the unique nature of the maerl bed in Milford Haven, showing it to be both highly genetically diverse and distinct from other populations in the wider region.
“We’re delighted to have contributed to this work, which makes the case for protecting this special habitat even stronger. Sadly, the bed is currently in a degraded state, and we hope the findings will help inform future efforts to safeguard these vital ecosystems for generations to come.”

Dr Tom Jenkins, the project lead, added: “This is the first research project to assemble reference genomes for two maerl-forming species and use Whole Genome Sequencing to study populations around the southern and south-west coasts of Britain.
“It reveals levels of genetic diversity and identifies populations dominated by maerl clones, which together could have implications for their vulnerability and resilience to future changes in climate and the environment.”

NRW is also leading a wider project examining declines in benthic habitats — ecosystems found on or near the seabed — to strengthen Wales’ understanding of underwater biodiversity. This includes research into herring in Milford Haven, sponge communities in the Menai Strait, and modiolus horse mussel reefs off the north Llŷn Peninsula. The work is funded through the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks programme.

Business

Twr y Felin Hotel unveils new bespoke couple’s spa

Published

2 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TWR Y FELIN Felin Hotel, Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, has announced the opening of its new bespoke couple’s spa – an exclusive sanctuary designed to restore balance, renew the senses, and bring calming wellbeing to both body and mind.

The new private spa space combines modern wellness design with gentle natural elements, offering a serene environment for couples or small groups seeking deep relaxation. Centred on the therapeutic power of water, the spa provides a cocoon of tranquillity and indulgence just moments from the heart of St Davids.

Guests can unwind in the deep whirlpool bath, enjoy the circulation-boosting benefits of the infrared sauna, or cleanse and detoxify in the steam shower. The space also includes heated loungers and a private terrace, complemented by soft lighting and soothing music – creating an ideal backdrop for an hour or more of restorative escape.

One-hour spa sessions

Perfect for guests seeking a shorter break from the everyday, the spa offers one-hour sessions:

Monday – Thursday: £50 per person
Friday – Sunday: £60 per person

One-hour sessions can be booked online. Longer visits can be arranged directly with the hotel and are subject to availability.

Guests can also extend their wellness journey with a wide menu of treatments, including aromatherapy massage, therapeutic body massage, Indian head massage, body exfoliation rituals, and Twr y Felin’s signature Encapsulate treatment.

“Our vision was to create a space where guests can slow down, breathe, and indulge in a restorative experience that leaves them feeling renewed,” said Emma Bowen, General Manager. “The spa complements our philosophy of creating exceptional experiences inspired by art, culture, and the surrounding Pembrokeshire landscape.”

Booking information

The spa is open daily, with one-hour sessions available to book online. Packages and extended stays must be booked directly with the hotel’s reception team. Please note that the spa is an adults-only environment and is not suitable for pregnant guests.

For information, bookings, and full terms and conditions, visit:
https://twryfelinhotel.com/treatments/

About Twr y Felin Hotel

Located in Britain’s smallest city, St Davids, Twr y Felin Hotel is Wales’ first contemporary art hotel. The award-winning retreat offers luxurious accommodation, fine dining at Blas Restaurant, and a unique collection of specially commissioned artworks inspired by the dramatic Pembrokeshire coast.