News

Milford Haven function centre outdoor dining area refused

Published

9 months ago

June 10, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A RETROSPECTIVE scheme for an outside dining area on a listed building in the most prominent street in Milford Haven’s conservation area, brought before planners after potential enforcement action was started, has been refused once again.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Lee Bridges sought retrospective permission for works to provide an external dining area at the Grade-II-listed Masonic Hall, Imperial Function Centre, Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, the works having started in May 2021.

The application was supported by Milford Haven Town Council, but objections had been raised by the council’s Head of Infrastructure and Historic Buildings Conservation Officer, along with three letters of objection from the public.

***How it was: New seating area replaced scruffy overgrown area (Pic: Herald)***

The scheme was indirectly brought before planners after an enforcement investigation was started in July 2021 to look into a breach of conditions of a previously approved scheme for a new external door to provide an external dining area, an officer report saying the development was not being carried out in accordance with the previously approved plans.

That led to a 2023 application as a form of regularisation, broadly similar to the current one, which was refused in late 2024.

An officer report recommending refusal for the current scheme says submitted plans “are not an accurate illustration of the ‘as built development’”.

It added: “This application seeks to regularise the proposal, however, it does not address all the reasons for refusal as set out within [the previously refused] planning application,” going on to say: “In respect of environmental impacts, the visual impact of the proposed development harms the setting of the Masonic Hall, a Grade-II-listed building. The proposal also fails to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

***Outdoor seating area: Vital for venues since the smoking ban introduced (Image: Herald)***

Objections from the public, two from the same person, raised concerns including impact on residential amenity, and the conservation area, and not addressing issues raised in the enforcement notice.

The officer report concluded: “It is considered that the application would not comply with the policies of the Pembrokeshire Local Development Plan. The proposal fails to have special regard to preserving or enhancing the historic environment, therefore does not comply with the duty under The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 and planning permission shall be refused.”

The scheme was refused on grounds including “a harmful visual impact on the character and appearance of the listed building and this part of the Milford Haven Conservation Area,” the development being of an unacceptable design, and the lack of a Green Infrastructure Statement.

Back in February, a call for the scheme to be decided by councillors rather than planning officers was narrowly turned down, after the committee’s chair cast a second vote.

Members voted three in favour of it being decided by committee, and three against; chair Cllr Guy Woodham casting a second vote in the event of a tie, again voting against the call, meaning it was later decided by officers.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

25 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

45 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.