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Machinery workshop at Trewern Farm, Felindre Farchog, approved

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A SECURE machinery workshop scheme granted at a Pembrokeshire farm close to a conservation area of ancient woodland will not be used to increase the near-1,000-strong milking herd.

In an application recommended for approval the September meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Mr and Mrs Watkins sought permission for the 18.3 metre workshop at 198-acre 960 milking herd Trewern Farm, Felindre Farchog, north Pembrokeshire.

An officer report at the meeting said park officers met with the applicants to discuss concerns regarding the scale and siting of the proposed development, raising fears that the siting and design would have a negative impact on the surrounding area.

Following these discussions, the applicant amended the initial proposal; the building repositioned so that it will sit lower in the landscape, positioned below the height of existing farm buildings and also lower than the farmhouse.

The report said the surrounding landscape and holding lies within the Mynydd Preseli Landscape Character Area, “particularly valued for its strong sense of remoteness, distinctive historic landscape features, intervisibility with the Preseli uplands, and dark night skies, contributing significantly to the special qualities of the National Park”.

It added: “Of particular relevance to this application is the presence of a designated Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) area located approximately 90 metres to the southeast of the application site, known locally as part of Cwm Gloyw.

“This ancient woodland occupies a steep-sided valley associated with a tributary of the Afon Nyfer and is a highly sensitive ecological and landscape feature. While the proposed agricultural building is not located within or immediately adjacent to this woodland, its presence forms part of the broader ecological and visual context of the area.

“As such, care must be taken to avoid indirect impacts such as increased lighting, run-off, or encroachment.

“Additionally, the site lies in close proximity to the designated boundary of the North Pembrokeshire Woodlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This SAC comprises a series of fragmented yet ecologically linked ancient woodland sites across the region, including Coed Cwm Gwaun, Ty Canol, and nearby woodland fragments associated with the Nyfer catchment.”

It concluded: “The proposed agricultural building is directly linked to the ongoing operations of Trewern Farm and aims to enhance the farm’s efficiency through secure storage of machinery and having a machinery workshop on site.

“No increase in livestock numbers is proposed as part of this application, and the building will not be used for the housing of animals or for any form of processing or external commercial activity.”

Approval was moved by Dr Rosetta Plummer, seconded by Cllr Mike James, who raised the issue of rural crime, saying: “There is concern in the north of the county and out in rural areas with regard to the theft of 4x4s and other such equipment; I am happy that will now help the applicants’ confidence and I hope that things will now be more secure for the applicants as a result of this.”

Chair Cllr Simon Hancock mused that such concerns were “the reality, sadly, of the extent of rural crime”.

Members backed the recommendation of conditional approval.

 

Business

Haverfordwest cinema one of six council properties for sale

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SIX COUNCIL-owned properties in Pembrokeshire, including Haverfordwest’s Palace Cinema, a boatyard, and a former social services premises in Tenby, are to be put up for sale following a decision by senior councillors.

At the March 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to back the disposal of six properties in the county’s portfolio as well the earmarking of four properties for other purposes.

A report for members said: “The Property Department has recently undertaken a review of the council’s estate to identify underused or vacant properties that are no longer required for service delivery and could be transferred internally or disposed of to generate capital receipts.”

The report listed six assets which members were asked to declare surplus for disposal by freehold sale.

Those assets were: Iveston Farm, Maidenwells; land east of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm; Palace Cinema, Haverfordwest; St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby – social services premises; land at East Llanion Marine, Pembroke Dock – boat yard area; and land at Maidenwells – development plot.

For those six properties, it said of Iveston Farm: “Farm homestead in need of extensive renovation. An approach to local agents will begin to market the homestead and surrounding land. The remainder of the land areas are to be re-let as part of the County Farm Estate.”

For the land east of Cleddau Reach School, it said: “Areas of land parcels that no longer form part of the school demise and offer no opportunity to the authority and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

For Palace Cinema, it said: “Freehold of property to be sold. The property is listed and requires significant investment.”

For St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

For East Llanion Marine, it said: “Freehold of the property to be sold. This is an area of land (0.29 acres) adjacent to Port owned land. Both parcels are leased to East Llanion Marine. The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

For the land at Maidenwells, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

It also listed three assets in which cabinet was asked to declared surplus to the requirements of one council department and appropriated to another use within the council.

Those were: Portfield Social Activity Centre, Haverfordwest – for future education project; Eastgate Centre, Pembroke – for future re-development project; and land west of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm – for future education project.

Members were also asked to remove one property declared surplus to council requirements, appropriated for a particular use within the council: Pembroke Dock Watersports Centre – Watersports centre in occupation.

Members backed the 10 recommendations.

 

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Business

Kurtz’s best local pub competition nears 1,000 nominations

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Community-backed contest highlights vital role of Pembrokeshire pubs

THE BEST Local Pub Competition is closing in on a major milestone, with nearly 1,000 nominations submitted by residents across Pembrokeshire celebrating their favourite local venues.

The competition, launched last year by Member of the Senedd Samuel Kurtz, aims to recognise the importance of local pubs and support them during the quieter winter months.

Now in its second year, the initiative continues to shine a spotlight on the vital role pubs play in bringing communities together.

The competition is sponsored by Templeton Beer, Wine & Spirit Co., a well-known local supplier supporting hospitality businesses across the region.

Last year, The Ivybush in Narberth was crowned the inaugural winner after receiving strong backing from the local community. The award recognised the pub’s welcoming atmosphere and its role as a hub for both residents and visitors.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Local pubs are at the heart of our communities, providing places for people to meet, celebrate and support one another. I launched this competition to give something back to these fantastic businesses, particularly during the quieter months when trade can be more challenging.

“Changes to Business Rates have had a real impact on the sector, alongside rising costs such as staffing and electricity, which are threatening the survival of many pubs. That is why this competition is such an important reminder of how much we value them.

“It’s brilliant to see nearly 1,000 nominations, with a few days still to go before the competition closes on Friday (Mar 20).”

Residents are invited to nominate pubs that stand out for their community spirit, service, and contribution to local life. The winning venue will receive a free barrel of standard beer and be crowned Best Local Pub 2026.

Samuel added: “If you haven’t nominated your local yet, there is still time.”

To take part, visit www.samuelkurtz.wales and search ‘campaigns’ to nominate your Best Local Pub.

 

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Business

Jewellery roadshow in Lamphey today with cash offers for valuables

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A TRAVELLING jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Pembrokeshire today (Tuesday, Mar 17), offering free valuations and on-the-spot cash offers for a wide range of items.

The event is being held at the Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa and is open until 6:00pm this evening.

Organisers say they are looking to buy “all items of interest”, including gold, silver, rings, watches, coins, military memorabilia and diamond jewellery. Broken jewellery is also accepted, along with items in any condition.

The promotional material states there are no fees, no commissions and no obligation to sell, with free appraisals available to anyone who brings items along.

They are also advertising interest in vintage items such as old watches, scientific instruments, medal groups and even classic cars and motorbikes.

A follow-up event will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, Mar 18) at Hotel Mariners in Haverfordwest, running from 10:00am until 9:00pm, with late appointments available.

A third and final stop is scheduled for Thursday (Mar 19) at Wolfscastle Country Hotel, open from 10:00am until 6:00pm.

Organisers can be contacted on 07544 074 549, and also invite people to send photos via WhatsApp for a preliminary valuation.

Top prices paid: The jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Lamphey today before moving on to Haverfordwest and Wolfscastle (Pic: supplied).

 

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