Business

Rick Stein supplier in Pembrokeshire gets planning boost

Published

1 month ago

October 30, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CERTIFICATE of lawfulness call for a rural Pembrokeshire farm shellfish export business, which has even supplied Rick Stein’s with lobster, has been given the thumbs-up.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Nerys Edwards of Syren Shellfish Ltd, through agent SB Planning Solutions, sought a certificate of lawfulness for mixed residential and business use, comprising the landing, grading, holding and export preparation of live shellfish, at White Lodge, Scamford Farm, near Keeston.

An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period; in this case the applicant stating the use started back in January 2014.

A supporting statement said permission was granted in 2015 for a change of use of an agricultural storage building to house tanks for shellfish with an ancillary storage cabin.

In 2022, a planning application was submitted to construct a packaging/processing building at White Lodge, adjacent to the existing dwelling and separate from the farm buildings, but was refused in 2024.

This was followed by the applicant receiving a planning contravention notice requiring information in relation to the ownership of the land and its use, the statement says, adding: “It is in preparing evidence in response [to the notice] that it became clear that the use was by now exempt from enforcement action.”

It stressed: “No enforcement notices have been served in respect of the use in question.”

It went on to say: “The B2 [business use] element of the use has been concentrated in the vicinity of the garage, however, given the use of the house for administrative operations and driveway for the parking and turning of business and associated vehicles and landing of shellfish, it is not possible to subdivide the site into a smaller planning unit for the purpose of this application.

“The B2 use commenced between January and March 2014 where shellfish were landed directly to a lorry trailer parked adjacent to the dwelling house in the vicinity of the garage at White Lodge. The fish were graded, sorted, stored and subsequently delivered to the customer at Fishguard for export. After delivery, the lorry would return to the site ready for more fish to be landed.”

For the certificate call, it provided 12 signed and witnessed declarations, including from the applicant, two employees and several fishermen, along with invoices for work at the site, fishmen’s receipts for fish sold, letters and photographs.

It finished: “Syren Shellfish, a B2 operation for the landing, grading, holding and export preparation of live shellfish has been operating from the residential curtilage of White Lodge since 2014. This use has been continuous and it remains in operation today. Significant evidence has been provided to support this.”

An officer report recommending approval said the use “has existed unauthorised and uninterrupted for the required timeframe (10 years) prior to submission of this application and is subsequently immune from enforcement action”.

A certificate of lawfulness was granted.

Back in 2021, following publicity of post-Brexit shipping woes for Syren which had led to extra international paperwork and costs, famed fish restaurateur and television presenter Rick Stein ordered shellfish stock from the business.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

15 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):