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Big development approved next to medieval Llawhaden Castle

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A SCHEME to convert a disused care home next to a Pembrokeshire castle to a house has been approved by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Carwyn Rees sought permission for the conversion of the former Castle View Rest Home, Llawhaden, near Narberth; the property vacant since 2021 and no longer run as a care provider.

The property is situated next to medieval Llawhaden Castle, within the village’s conservation area.

A supporting statement said: “As part of this application, there are no proposed physical changes to the exterior of the property therefore there would be no detrimental impact on local amenity in terms of visual impact.  Regarding residential amenity, it is considered unlikely that the proposed change of use would increase the number of visitors to the building from the historical use of the property.

“The access and parking is to remain the same, it is likely there will be a large reduction in traffic from its use as a care home.”

It adds: “This application is for residential development which would have positive economic and social benefits through employment generation and additional housing stock built to improved environmental standards. The proposed development makes use of an existing building without external alteration.

“The residential home closed down in April 2021 and has been on the market for sale for some time with no interest in being re-opened as a residential care home.

“In addition, the property would require complete renovation and alterations to the room sizes to meet the new regulations as set by any residential care facility under new registrations with Care Inspectorate Wales.”

An officer report, recommending approval, said: “The proposal is for the change of use of the building only and no external alterations are proposed. Cadw has raised no objection to the proposal confirming that the proposal would not impact on Scheduled Monument PE024 and its setting.

“The council historic building and conservation officer has raised no objection to the proposal confirming that as no external alterations are proposed then the proposal would not have a detrimental visual impact on the historic assets.”

The application was conditionally approved.

The nearby castle was built by the bishops of the Diocese of St David in the 13th century, later abandoned in the 16th century, with some of its stone removed for local building projects.

 

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

 

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Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

 

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