News

Latest Welsh energy conference reveals gap

Published

10 years ago

January 5, 2015

OVER 200 representatives of business, government, academia and a few community organisations crammed into a Cardiff conference to look ahead at energy in Wales on Monday (Dec 15). The overwhelming message was one of frustration at the widening gap between the amazing potential for renewable energy in Wales and its realisation. David Jones for Marine Energy Pembrokeshire flagged up the resource lying all around Wales that is currently untapped.

Our tides and waves could potentially power Britain and Pembrokeshire is among the best sources. Even a modest 30 MW installation could provide 2000 person years of employment and be operational in a few years. The meeting called often for vision and leadership quality from government. Lack of progress was also caused by a cobweb of regulations that choke progress in their dark embrace. Plaid Cymru assembly member Alan Ffred chairing the event, said that planning rules should insist on community benefit, as this would have cut through many of the complexities.

He said: “It is incomprehensible that community benefit was not included as a requirement, a tragic wasted opportunity.” The industry itself took a share of the blame for not getting communities on their side at the outset. “Wind is now toxic in Powys”, said the chair of Powys against Pylons. “I am not highly qualified like all the other speakers, I am just a fairly good dairy farmer, but I cannot get a wind turbine for my farm now, people are so hostile to them.” Examples of companies who had got their public relations right were also cited, such as Swansea Bay lagoon. They were the exceptions. This contrasted with public opinion.

Peter Davies, also from Pembrokeshire and chair of all things to do with sustainable futures at the Welsh Assembly reported on the million conversations exercise across Wales. He said: “People’s first concern with energy is cost, but climate is a high second when it comes to long term concerns. People like renewables and are against coal and fracking with mixed views on nuclear.” This feeling is shared in Pembrokeshire according to an online petition for the county to move to renewables.

A well known climate denier MP also spoke, and presented a barrage of unreferenced figures showing that climate change had stopped years ago, stating we have enough fossil fuels for hundreds of years, and the thing to do is to get on with fracking and coal mining in the UK as these produce cheaper energy. Gerwyn Williams for UK onshore Gas Group presented graphs showing vast sources of gas to frack. His company is seeking investment on the stock exchange without success.

Interestingly, both the climate denier and the gas chief were ignored by the rest of the meeting. Renewables were what everyone was interested in. Another huge barrier turned out to be the national grid. We heard that even a very modest 18kW community hydro cannot go ahead because there is no grid capacity. Mid Wales including Ceredigion and Powys are especially grid poor. All the capacity has been prebought up by giant solar farms which may or may not ever be built.

Maxine Frerk from Offgen who regulates the UK grid said this did not sound right and she would look into it. Plaid Councillor for Ceredigion, Alun Williams spoke to her afterwards and arranged to meet with her and Western Power, which is the grid operator blocking progress, to get to grips with the challenge. The conference was called because of the possibility to allow Wales to take control of power generation up to 350 megaWatts, which is up from the present 50MW.

This increase in powers is a result of the promises made to avert the Yes vote in the Scottish referendum. Conference speakers favoured this increase in powers, but with the right leadership. Welsh Labour Government Minister, Carl Sergeant spoke warmly about community renewables. He acknowledged we needed a Wales based planning inspectorate to cope with the increased powers. He refused to answer any questions with any detail, figures, dates or actions, much to the frustration of the waiting media.

The day had started with the coffee running out early. The prestigious attendees from governments and corporations queued in vain after their long journey for the expected cuppa. This, sadly, epitomised the lack of ability in Wales to rise to its potential. Alan Ffred, chair of the Environment Committee said: “Frustration is a word we are hearing a lot today.”

News

TerraQuest to provide planning portal services across Wales under new agreement

Published

2 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TERRAQUEST will provide its Planning Portal service for planning applications in Wales from 31 March 2025, following an agreement with the Welsh Government.

The launch of Planning Portal, which is already used for more than 97% of planning applications across England, will enable applicants to submit applications and receive vital updates in respect of Welsh sites.

The new service will be bi-lingual, offering both Welsh and English language options. Current users of Planning Applications Wales will be able to keep the same account and transfer to the new service.

Applicants will benefit from an improved service, including standardised payment options across all 25 Welsh authorities which, in turn, will streamline application submissions and address a key cause of invalidations.

In addition, Planning Portal will offer a built-in location plan tool that generates compliant plans, captures spatial data and transfers digitally to the Welsh authorities – reducing reliance on third-party tools.

The new portal will also ease the process for developers operating in both England and Wales, with a uniform experience across both countries.

It is anticipated that additional features will be added, including integration with building control applications, enabling a comprehensive service from a single platform.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said: “We said we wanted to streamline the planning process in Wales and speed up the decision-making process on important projects and that’s exactly what we are doing. This seamless transition to a trusted provider and partner will help ensure consistency and speed across the planning process and provide continuity for applicants.”

Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest added: “We will deliver both a seamless transition and an enhanced user experience for customers. Planning Portal is a tried and tested planning tool that offers a highly efficient service that has helped thousands of consumers navigate and keep up-to-speed with the progress of their applications. We look forward to working with the Welsh Government and new customers in Wales.”

News

Saundersfoot to host Harbour ‘Feastival’ as part of Street Food Circus’

Published

3 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

STREET FOOD CIRCUS will return this spring with a series of ten events celebrating food, family, and good times in spectacular coastal, castle, and woodland locations.

Marking its tenth anniversary, Street Food Circus has provided a platform for some of Wales’ best-known chefs and street food businesses over the past decade. The 2025 season will be the biggest in its history, featuring new locations and seasonal events.

One of the highlights of the year will be the return of Harbour Feastival to Saundersfoot Harbour in September. This popular event brings a diverse selection of street food traders to the coastal village, creating a vibrant atmosphere by the sea.

The season kicks off with Forest Feastival in Candleston Woods, followed by the Big Banquet at Caldicot Castle in May. Over the summer, events will include the Welsh Street Food Awards, a return to Southampton for Summer Feastival, and the launch of Pleasure Gardens in Pembrey Country Park in June. Fantastic Fete at St Donat’s Castle and a trader appearance at Big Feastival in the Cotswolds are also part of the lineup.

In addition to Harbour Feastival, a new event called Mabon will debut in September. This autumn festival, held in Candleston Woods, takes inspiration from the pagan autumn equinox festival and will focus on cooking with fire and celebrating the harvest season.

To close the year, Festive Feastival will return, bringing a mix of street food, a roller disco, and Christmas circus magic.

Street Food Circus founder and ringmaster Matt the Hat said:

“Street Food Circus has been a game-changer for the Welsh street food scene. Over the past ten years, we’ve given opportunities to some of the country’s best chefs and street food businesses to showcase their talents.

“Looking at the hundreds of businesses we’ve worked with, it’s great to see so many who’ve gone on to open permanent restaurants, launch new street food concepts, and win major UK awards.

“We’ve also made street food more accessible across Wales, supporting different locations and venues. As we celebrate our first decade, I hope everyone involved feels proud of our collective success and looks forward to a year of incredible street food events.”

The 2025 season opens with Forest Feastival, running across four weekends from April 18 to May 11. This year’s festival will introduce Barbecewi, a new area dedicated to food cooked over fire and classic Americana dishes. Traders include Westlands BBQ, Feast Pembrokeshire, Two Lads Afghan BBQ, Dough Thrower, Fire & Flank, and Acme Fried Chicken.

Forest Feastival will also welcome Keralan Karavan, Mandala, Ceylon & Beyond, Boa Selecta, and Mr Noodle in its Feast from the East zone. A new Caravan Stage will host circus performers, guest DJs, buskers, and a bubble disco for families.

The After Dark series will return on Friday nights, featuring SFC residents Pamoja Disco Club and guest bands, transforming the woodland into a late-night festival experience.

In an effort to improve sustainability, Street Food Circus is introducing reusable enamel plates, which can be pre-ordered and collected at the event. Food waste collection and washing stations will also be available.

Tickets and further details are available at streetfoodcircus.co.uk.

Events Schedule:

Forest Feastival, Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend: April 18 – May 11 (4 weekends)
Big Banquet, Caldicot Castle, Monmouthshire: May 23-26
Summer Feastival, Southampton: June 6-8
Pleasure Gardens, Pembrey Country Park, Llanelli: June 20-22
Welsh Street Food Awards: July 12-13
Fantastic Fete, St Donat’s Castle: August 1-3
Big Feastival, Cotswolds: August 22-24
Harbour Feastival, Saundersfoot Harbour: September 5-7
Mabon, South Wales, BBQ Festival: September 26-28
Festive Feastival, date and location TBC

Charity

Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

Published

17 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.

Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.

Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.

Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”

Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”

The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.