News

Family face Pembrokeshire beach hut council tax premium

Published

10 months ago

May 29, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire beach hut, used by visiting family members for decades, to continue to be used without incurring charges under the second homes council tax premium, has been granted.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Christopher Evans, of Llangoedmor, sought approval for a Lawful Development Certificate for a beach hut for holiday use only at Argo Fach, Poppit Sands, near Cardigan.

The applicant wished to secure a Certificate of Lawfulness for use of the property as a beach hut, in order to seek an exemption from the second homes council tax premium.

For a Certificate of Lawfulness to be granted, an applicant must demonstrate that the use has been continuous and without interruption for a period of at least 10 years.

Late last year, Pembrokeshire councillors voted to drop the council tax premium on second homes from 200 per cent, effectively a treble rate of council tax, to 150 per cent.

Prior to that, second-home owners in the county were charged a 100 per cent (or double rate) premium.

An officer report recommending a Lawful Development Certificate be issued said there was no reason to doubt the applicant’s claim that the property known as Argo Fach has been in use as a beach hut and not for residential use.

It goes on to say that Argo Fach “an extended wooden beach hut that is very modest in size, scale and facilities,” at the rear of Poppit Sands car park, with its usage going back many years.

It adds: “The application form indicates that the use (as a beach hut) began more than 10 years before the date of the application, in 1954, as a beach hut for family use in the summer. The cover letter discusses the start of use as a beach hut, presumed to be 1954 and most likely arranged by the applicant’s father (who was a solicitor) on an assumed 100-year lease.”

It says the applicant states that, other than for during childhood and then returning to retire in 2000, he has lived outside of Wales and had little do with the running of the property, which his mother looked after.

“The application states that the property is used when family visit the beach and is occupied for two weeks of the year when family members visit from Essex,” it adds.

It concludes: “Based on [a sworn affidavit], the Authority’s recent research, and the submitted evidence, it is reasonably clear that from 1954, the beach hut known as Argo Fach has been in use as a hut to support beach and social activity. The Authority therefore has no reason to doubt what is said in the application.”

A Certificate of Lawfulness was issued by park planners.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

24 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

31 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

44 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.