Community

Solva football pitch affordable housing scheme approved

Published

1 month ago

April 12, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SCHEME for 17 affordable homes on the site of a Pembrokeshire seaside village football pitch has been approved by national park planners.

In an application recommended for conditional approval at the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, housing group Ateb – in partnership with Solva Community Land Trust – sought permission for the two-stage development on land adjacent to Bro Dawel, Solva.

The hybrid application sought full planning for the first stage: 17 social-rented dwellings, the reinstatement of a junior football pitch and associated works, along with outline planning permission for a second phase of a residential development of 11 dwellings.

An officer report for members said: “The application process has been lengthy, namely due to concerns surrounding design and the uncertainty surrounding the capacity of the Solva wastewater treatment works (WwTW).

“The design is overall acceptable and in coming to a recommendation authority officers have given considerable weight to the contribution the scheme will make in addressing local housing need. The Authority expects the scheme to achieve a high-quality appearance and appropriate planning conditions should realise this requirement.”

It added: “The scheme will lead to the loss of 2-3 junior football pitches however one pitch will be reinstated as part of the proposal with the addition of a storage facility. The standard, design and construction of both pitch and storage facility shall be secured via the Section 106 [legal] agreement, in addition to their future management and maintenance.

“Planning obligations for secondary education provision, library contributions and assurance that the housing remains affordable in perpetuity will be secured by legal agreement. Subject to the provision of these planning obligations and necessary conditions the proposal is considered acceptable, and the application is recommended for approval.”

The proposal includes a storage facility (small shed) for a ride-on mower and smaller items of kit for the football club, a statement that specifies that the open space be retained as such in perpetuity, with it used as a football pitch, a financial contribution to cover extra pupil capacity at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids of £34,560 for the first phase, and a contribution of £1,217.44 for library services.

Members heard the properties would help address a county housing need of 142 affordable homes a year, with a local lettings policy.

Speaking at the meeting, Joshua Philips, a member of the local community council and the Solva Community Land Trust said the scheme would help address a “housing crisis going on in Wales,” with 5,000 people on the housing list in Pembrokeshire alone.

Members approved the scheme, with 16 for and one abstention.

Community

Shire horses to visit Canolfan Bethlehem for heritage talk

Published

12 hours ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Special event explores Dyfed Shires’ journey from Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade

A PAIR of magnificent Shire horses will be the star attraction at Canolfan Bethlehem in Trefdraeth (Newport, Pembrokeshire) on Wednesday evening, 28 May 2025, as part of a special heritage talk titled The Dyfed Shires Story – From Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade.

The popular community talk series at Canolfan Bethlehem continues with a unique opportunity to meet two of the Dyfed Shire horses in person. The horses will be on display on the lawn in front of the chapel from 6:00pm, with the talk itself beginning inside the chapel at 7:00pm.

The evening’s speaker, Mark Cole of Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, will share the story behind the farm’s founding and the remarkable journey that saw its horses selected to appear in ceremonial duties at Horseguards Parade in London.

Canolfan Bethlehem is a thriving community-run centre based in the former Bethlehem Chapel, which was saved at auction in August 2024 thanks to an ambitious local fundraising effort. Supporters raised £146,000 to secure the building for £145,000, transforming it into a Welsh heritage, arts, and culture hub.

The project received vital support from PLANED, the Narberth-based community development organisation. PLANED’s Community Assets Coordinator, Cris Tomos, praised the initiative: “The Canolfan Bethlehem community enterprise shows what can be done when people come together to preserve key assets for future generations. It’s fantastic to see the growing support for these regular talks.”

***Important project:*** *Cris re-opening the doors of the chapel once purchased by local investors.*

Community

Tenby Coaster returns for summer season

Published

12 hours ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Open-top double-decker back on scenic Pembrokeshire route from Sunday

PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular open-top bus service is set to return to the roads this weekend, offering stunning views of the county’s coastline throughout the summer.

The Tenby Coaster, now in its fourth year of service, resumes its route between Tenby and Saundersfoot on Sunday (May 25), following a brief appearance over Easter.

The eye-catching blue and yellow double-decker, operated by First Bus, was the first of its kind to run in Pembrokeshire since the 1990s and has since become a firm favourite with both visitors and locals.

Each day, the bus travels from its Haverfordwest depot to the route’s starting point in Tenby, passing key attractions such as Carew Castle and Manor Wildlife Park—making it possible to enjoy an extended journey for those catching it early or late in the day.

Passengers can hop aboard the Tenby Coaster from the stop by the town walls in Tenby, with First Bus promising “breathtaking views and a scenic descent into Saundersfoot”.

The service will operate daily until September 6, with hop-on, hop-off tickets available for those wanting to explore along the way. Fares match those of other local services, with singles starting at £1.60, returns from £3.04, and group day passes for up to five people available for £17.50.

Contactless payment is accepted via the Tap On Tap Off system, and both Welsh Concessionary Travel Cards and mytravelpass cards are valid on the route.

More information is available at the First Cymru website.

Community

Public invited to explore Pembroke Port at Open Day and Stakeholder Meeting

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to go behind the scenes at Pembroke Port as part of a special Open Day and Annual Stakeholder Meeting hosted by the Port of Milford Haven.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 18 June, at Catalina House, Pembroke Dock (SA72 6JD), offering a unique opportunity to discover the inner workings of one of Wales’ busiest ports.

Running from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, the Open Day will include guided bus tours around the site, giving visitors a rare, close-up look at port operations and activities across the facility. Port staff, local business representatives, and partners from across the supply chain will also be on hand to discuss their work and answer questions.

From 6:00pm to 7:30pm, the Port’s Annual Stakeholder Meeting will be held, where attendees will hear updates from the Chair and Chief Executive, meet members of the Board and senior management, and take part in a Q&A session. Questions can be submitted in advance via email to [email protected].

Throughout the day, visitors can explore the wide-ranging roles of the Port of Milford Haven – from commercial marine services and energy sector support to community initiatives and leisure activities. A number of external organisations will also be present, including emergency services, marine experts, and conservation groups highlighting Pembrokeshire’s diverse wildlife.