THANKS to donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has been able to purchase 16 TVs worth over £7,000 for the patient rooms in the Accident & Emergency Department at Withybush Hospital.

Jo Dyer, Senior Nurse Manager, said: “We are very grateful that charitable funds have enabled us to purchase 16 new TVs for the Accident & Emergency Department at Withybush Hospital.

“It is hoped that patient experience will be improved by installing the new televisions in patient rooms as well as helping to make them more comfortable during their time in the department.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says it is pleased to confirm the award of a Pre-Construction Service Agreement for the Brynhir housing development in Tenby.

Morgan Construction of Carmarthen has been appointed following the evaluation of a two-stage tender.

Morgan Construction is currently due to begin work on the site in summer 2025.

This will be subject to discharging planning conditions, consideration to ecology periods and minimising disruption during the height of the tourist season.

Eight phases are currently planned, allowing for homes to be available sooner. It is expected that the development will be completed in 2029.

In total, 125 homes will be constructed by Pembrokeshire County Council at Brynhir.

These homes will range in size and consist of 93 affordable housing (social and intermediate rent), 16 shared ownership, and 16 open market sale.  

This development will also include a range of formal and informal play and recreational areas throughout the site, with direct links into the town.

Anyone who is interested in the properties are advised to complete a housing application form to join the Choice Homes housing register.

However, if you are already on the housing register, you do not need to do anything else at this stage.

To join the housing register, please see: www.choicehomespembrokeshire.org/new-customers/how-to-apply

There will be a local connection requirement applied to this housing development.

The criteria for this will be developed closer to the time, ahead of the first phase completion.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “I am delighted that we have reached this stage, and I look forward to seeing the site take shape.

“This is a significant development for Tenby and the surrounding area, providing much needed affordable housing.”

If you have any questions about this, or any other development, please contact the Housing Development Team via [email protected] or 01437 764551.

Caption: Artist’s impression of the forthcoming Brynhir development.

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY has approved plans to introduce an Article 4(1) Direction to remove permitted development rights for 28-day camping, caravan and mobile home sites within the National Park.

The Park said that the decision, made at a meeting on Wednesday (Dec 11), marks a significant step in managing the impact of unregulated temporary camping on the National Park’s protected landscapes and ecosystems.

The new measures follow a public consultation exercise, which revealed strong support for increased controls.

The Park said that their consultation had highlighted concerns about visual impacts on the landscape, risks to biodiversity, and pressures on local infrastructure. Many respondents, particularly local residents, raised issues such as noise, traffic congestion, and other disturbances affecting those living near temporary camping and caravan sites.

Introducing the Article 4 Direction will allow the Authority to require planning permission for temporary 28-day camping, caravan and mobile home sites, ensuring that their location and operation are carefully managed to protect the National Park’s unique environment.

The Article 4 Direction, which will take effect on Wednesday 1 January 2026, will include a transition period to allow landowners and site operators sufficient time to understand the new requirements and submit planning applications. Planning applications for these sites will not incur fees, and the Authority will aim to prioritise applications to minimise delays. Existing sites that have planning permission or those sites that operate under an exempted organisation certificate will not be affected by the Article 4 Direction.

A six-week public consultation on the Article 4 Direction will run from Friday 10 January to Friday 21 February 2025, providing an opportunity for individuals and organisations to share their views on the proposed measures.

The proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly among local farmers and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), who argue that such restrictions could have a detrimental impact on the local economy. Many landowners in Pembrokeshire have come to rely on the income generated from seasonal camping to support their primary agricultural activities, especially in the face of economic challenges and rising costs.

Local farmer Rhys Jones expressed his concerns about the potential loss of income. “For many of us, these 28-day campsites are a lifeline. The extra income helps keep our farms afloat, especially during difficult years. If we have to go through the planning process, it’s going to add time, cost, and uncertainty,” he said.

The contrast with regulations in England, where the permitted development period has been extended to 60 days, further complicates the issue. Critics argue that the proposed changes in Pembrokeshire could put Welsh landowners at a competitive disadvantage compared to their English counterparts.

Environmental concerns have also been voiced by local residents. John Davies, a resident of St Davids, stated, “The National Park is a unique landscape that needs to be protected. Allowing these campsites to pop up without oversight could lead to irreversible damage.”

In addition to the Article 4 Direction, the Authority will engage with exempted organisations to develop a voluntary Code of Conduct. This initiative will help ensure that exempted sites continue to operate responsibly and in accordance with local and national policies, fostering a collaborative approach to safeguarding the National Park.

Further details on the consultation can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/public-consultations.