News

Resident demands answers as flood risk threatens homes in Lamphey

Published

7 months ago

April 24, 2025

A LAMPHEY homeowner has accused Pembrokeshire County Council of negligence after repeated flooding has left his property just feet away from disaster.

Brent Davies, who lives at Honeyhill Grove, says he and other residents were unaware their estate was built on a flood plain when they purchased their homes in 2018.

Now, despite one of the driest March and early April periods on record, fields behind his house are once again waterlogged – with the floodwaters just eight feet from his back door.

***Fire brigade responded to the flood in Honeyhill Grove*** ***several times***

Mr Davies told The Herald: “We’ve had countless sleepless nights during bad weather, hoping we’re safe from the water. I’ve even built a retaining wall to protect our property, and we’ve had to call the fire brigade several times.”

He claims Pembrokeshire County Council was warned about the flood risk before granting planning permission for the development, with photographic evidence of the land underwater allegedly submitted to the authority at the time.

“Those warnings were ignored,” Mr Davies said. “The Council knew this area floods, yet they allowed homes to be built here. It’s disgraceful.”

He says all attempts to arrange a site meeting with the Council to discuss flood prevention have been ignored.

The Herald understands residents have now called for a public inquiry into how the development was approved and why their concerns continue to be dismissed.

Mr Davies added: “I’m at my wits’ end. We need answers and action. Who do we turn to when the authorities won’t listen?”

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “Outline planning permission for residential development of Honeyhill Grove was granted following consideration by the Council’s Planning Committee at its meeting of January 8th 2013.

***There have been calls for public inquiry from local residents into how development was approved***

“Consultation was carried out with the then Environment Agency and no objection was made to the proposal. Honeyhill Grove and the field adjoining the site does not lie within a flood zone as defined by Technical Advice Note 15.

“In accordance with the advice of the Environment Agency, a planning condition requiring further details of surface water disposal from the site was included in the outline planning permission granted.

“An application for the approval of reserved matters for Honeyhill Grove was granted following consideration by the Council’s Planning Committee at its meeting of July 30^th 2013.

“The reserved matters application included details to discharge a number of conditions including the surface water disposal condition.

“Consultation was carried out with Natural Resources Wales and no objection was raised to the application or to the method of disposal of surface water. The reserved matters application including the discharge of conditions was approved.

“Whilst flood risk was raised in representations received in respect of the outline and reserved matters applications, consultation with both the Environment Agency and its successor Natural Resources Wales resulted in no objections being raised on the grounds of flood risk.”

News

Welsh Labour confirms ranked candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin

Published

2 hours 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

3 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.