News
New horse training school to be built on Goodwick farm
PREVIOUSLY refused plans to allow a Pembrokeshire student permission to develop a sand school for ‘breaking’ horses at his family farm have been approved by the national park.
In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, Mr GW Richards sought permission for the sand school for use in ‘breaking’ and training horses at Llanwnwr Farm, Trefasser, Goodwick.
A previous application for a similar scheme was refused on the grounds it was on Grade 3a land, the best and most versatile agricultural land; the proposed school now planned to be sited on lower quality Grade 5 agricultural land after discussions with park officers.
A supporting statement through agent MacRae Associates said: “The proposal is to develop a sand school for use in ‘breaking’ and training horses, which will allow the applicant’s son to stay within the area and develop a small business.
“The applicant’s son is currently in his final year studying Equine Science and Business at the Royal Agricultural University. Without the opportunity to develop a small business at his family farm on graduation he will in all likelihood be forced to leave the area.
“In addition to breaking and training horses the use of the site will provide a space that allows the owner to exercise a stallion safely during wintertime instead of exercising it on the public highways. Traffic to the [nearby] lighthouse is significant particularly in the holiday season. This represents a significant risk reduction to both the applicant and the motoring public.
“Exercising the stallion on wet ground in winter carries the risk of causing injury to both rider and horse by slipping on muddy ground. One of the applicant’s ponies suffers from a disease known as Laminitis caused by too much fresh grass, a sand school would allow this pony to be let out onto a surface which will not exacerbate the condition; the alternative is to keep the pony stabled during times when there is a likelihood of the condition flaring up. It will thus an animal welfare problem.”
The scheduled ancient monument of Llanwnwr Cross-Slab; a stone with a cross carved into the surface, is located some 90m south-west of the site.
An officer report recommending approval said the change to Grade 5 land, alleviated many of the previous concerns, adding: “The application is deemed acceptable subject to detailed development management concerns from the authority and relevant consultees.
“Relevant conditions have been imposed to respect the significance of the archaeological remains in and around the site, and to ensure adequate drainage and green infrastructure implementation. Subject to these conditions the proposal is considered acceptable and to comply with the requirements of relevant local and national planning policies.”
The application was conditionally approved.
News
Crackwell Street set to reopen after five-month closure
ROADWORKS linked to structural repairs at Goscar House in Tenby are nearing completion, with Crackwell Street expected to reopen to through traffic today (Wednesday, June 24).
Scaffolding has now been removed from the property, with contractors carrying out a general clearance of the area.
The road has been closed for around five months while structural repair work has been taking place.
Local residents, businesses and visitors are expected to welcome the reopening, with Crackwell Street forming an important route through the town.
Pembrokeshire County Council has indicated that, all being well, the road will reopen later today.
Gareth Davies, of Gareth Davies Photography Tenby, said it was “good to see the removal of scaffolding today and general clearance on the property”.
He added that locals and visitors would be “so pleased” to see the road open once again.
Photo caption:
Clearance work: Contractors at Crackwell Street, Tenby, as scaffolding is removed from Goscar House (Pic: Gareth Davies).
Crime
Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts
A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.
Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.
The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.
The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.
Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.
Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.
She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.
“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.
“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”
Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.
Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.
The order will include monthly reviews in court.
Stewart must also pay £214.05 compensation to the supermarkets, together with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.
Crime
Grandmother banned after cocaine drug-drive offence
A GRANDMOTHER has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel with 800 mcg of a cocaine metabolite in her system.
Eleri Phillips, 57, was stopped by police in the early hours of December 18 as she drove her Audi Q5 along Derwent Avenue, Steynton.
A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 45 mcg of cocaine in her system and 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.
The legal limits are 10 mcg and 50 mcg respectively.
Phillips, of Brook Close, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. She was legally represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.
“She is absolutely ashamed of what has happened,” Mr Kelleher told the court.
“She had been out with friends that evening and someone offered her cocaine. Very foolishly, she took it.
“As a result, she is now going to be disqualified from driving, which is going to cause problems not only for her but for her family, as she regularly helps look after her grandchildren with general pick-ups from school.”
Phillips was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.
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