Business

Avian flu concerns rise as fresh housing rules hit West Wales farms

Published

5 months ago

November 30, 2025

Producers warned to tighten biosecurity as winter migration increases risk

POULTRY farmers across West Wales are tightening biosecurity and preparing for months of disruption as the latest wave of avian influenza brings new housing requirements and restrictions across the country.

An all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in force, with keepers required to follow strict disease-control measures. Mandatory housing orders are now active, meaning all poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors or under cover to reduce contact with wild birds during the peak winter migration period.

The Welsh Government said the risk of spread from wild bird populations has risen sharply in recent weeks, with cases confirmed across the UK and further outbreaks expected as colder weather pushes migratory birds into estuaries and coastal wetlands.

Local concerns in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire

While no major outbreaks have been reported in West Wales so far this season, farmers say the constant tightening of rules has become part of their winter routine.

Producers in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire told The Herald that rising feed costs, indoor-housing requirements and continued uncertainty around “free-range” status are putting pressure on small and medium-sized units.

One local keeper said: “When birds go inside for long periods, everything becomes more expensive — bedding, lighting, feed, labour. You also worry about the stress on the flock. It all adds up.”

Although the public health risk remains low, farmers say the economic risk to the rural sector is significant, particularly if repeated outbreaks trigger long-term culls or movement restrictions.

Background: The Capestone outbreak

West Wales has already seen how severe the consequences can be.

In September 2022, Capestone Organic Poultry Ltd, near Milford Haven, lost 130,000 organic chickens after a small outbreak of bird flu was detected in one shed. The entire flock was culled, affecting one of Pembrokeshire’s largest agricultural employers.

At the time, the business urged the Welsh Government to introduce a mandatory housing order to match measures already in place in England. Wales initially resisted housing rules, instead relying on an AIPZ and saying the scientific evidence did not yet justify compulsory containment.

The episode highlighted a long-running debate within the industry: whether early housing orders are essential to prevent spread, or whether they impose unnecessary financial strain, especially on free-range units that could lose their premium status once birds are indoors for extended periods.

That same debate has returned this winter, with ministers under pressure to balance scientific advice with the practical realities on farms.

Biosecurity rules tightened

Under current measures, all bird keepers — from major commercial producers to backyard owners — must now:

house or net birds to avoid contact with wild birds
clean and disinfect housing, yards, vehicles and equipment regularly
restrict visitors and maintain movement records
report any signs of unexplained illness, sudden deaths or drops in egg production to APHA

Failure to follow the rules can result in enforcement action, including prosecution.

The Welsh Government said the AIPZ and housing order will remain in place “until further notice”, with the situation assessed on a daily basis.

‘A difficult few months ahead’

Farmers say that, as in previous years, the biggest challenge will be uncertainty. If Wales avoids major outbreaks, restrictions may lift early. But with the UK reporting rising case numbers and Europe warning of sustained seasonal pressure, most producers are preparing for a long winter.

NFU Cymru has again urged the Welsh Government to ensure clear communication and rapid support for producers affected by culls or extended housing, warning that some family-run businesses are operating “on a knife-edge”.

For now, farmers in West Wales say they can only focus on biosecurity and hope that this year’s strain does not bring the kind of losses seen elsewhere in the UK.

Business

Tenby Loungers Lansio Lounge work done without permission

Published

4 hours ago

April 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A RETROSPECTIVE call for works associated with the new Loungers beachfront venue in Tenby has been given the go-ahead.

In an application approved by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Loungers UK Limited, through agent Richard Pedlar Architects, sought retrospective permission for new fascia signage, a new wall-mount menu board and a free-standing menu board at the new Loungers based at the former Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, Battery Road.

Back in January, UK-wide hospitality company Loungers plc announced it was planning to open a new beachfront Lansio Lounge at Tenby’s South Beach, with the promise of 30 jobs created, on March 25.

Lansio Lounge is based at the former Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant on Water’s Edge, South Beach.

The announcement for the Loungers plans for the former Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant were revealed shortly after the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Loungers signage at Salty’s.

Family-run venue Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant announced its closure on social media, confirming that Sunday, January 4 was its final day of trading.

An officer report recommending approval for the signage said the call for the retrospective installation and associated works “has attracted numerous third-party representations, primarily raising concerns in relation to potential light pollution and the colour treatment of the existing windows and doors”.

It went on to say consultation responses from relevant statutory consultees “confirm that the proposed halo illumination is acceptable and would not give rise to unacceptable levels of light pollution, nor would it adversely affect nearby designated sites or sensitive landscapes,” adding: “A planning condition has been attached, requiring the submission and approval of revised details to secure a more neutral colour finish for the external joinery and menu boards, to ensure an appropriate visual appearance in the context of the surrounding area.”

The application was conditionally approved by Park planners.

Business

Dragon LNG supports Neyland Heritage website launch

Published

22 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

THE NEYLAND and Llanstadwell Heritage Group is pleased to acknowledge the support of Dragon LNG as a Founding Sponsor of its newly launched heritage website.

The website was officially launched at a special community event held at Neyland Hub on Wednesday, April 15, marking 170 years to the day since Isambard Kingdom Brunel brought the railway to Neyland in 1856.

As part of the evening, Dragon LNG presented a cheque in support of the project, recognising the importance of preserving and sharing the area’s rich local history.

The new website has been developed as a central and accessible resource to bring together research, stories, and historical material relating to Neyland and Llanstadwell. It is intended not only as a record of the past, but as a living resource that encourages community involvement and participation.

Carol Elliott, Chair of the Neyland and Llanstadwell Heritage Group, said: “We are extremely grateful to Dragon LNG for their generous support. Their contribution has helped make this website possible, ensuring that the history of Neyland and Llanstadwell can be preserved and shared with the community and with future generations.”

A spokesperson for Dragon LNG said: “Following a request from Gareth, a member of our Team, we are delighted to support the new Neyland Heritage Website, through our Staff Sponsorship programme, reflecting his valued involvement in the Neyland and Llanstadwell Heritage Group. We are proud to support initiatives that celebrate and preserve local heritage. This project reflects the strong sense of community in Neyland and Llanstadwell, and we are pleased to play a part in helping to make local history more accessible to all, particularly younger generations.”

Dragon LNG plays an important role within the local community, supporting a range of initiatives and organisations across Pembrokeshire. Their support for the heritage website reflects a continued commitment to community engagement and the promotion of local identity.

The Neyland and Llanstadwell Heritage Group hopes the website will become a lasting resource for residents, visitors, and schools, while also encouraging wider participation from the community in recording and sharing its history.

The new website can be viewed at: https://www.neylandhistory.org.uk/

Business

Narberth Kadinsky gallery to dental surgery refused

Published

1 day ago

April 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to convert a former art gallery to a dental surgery on the edge of a Pembrokeshire town have been refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Ahmed Abouserwel, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants LTD, sought permission for a change of use of the former Kadinsky gallery, Redstone Road, Narberth, to a dental surgery, along with associated works.

A supporting statement said: “The existing open plan gallery space will be transformed into the main dentist area, with a glazed internal lobby, leading directly into the open reception / waiting area. There will be five treatment rooms accessed directly off the reception, with a private archive room behind the reception desk.

“The rear lean-to projection will be extended to the north to accommodate a proposed decontamination room and to re-model the Staff area and W.C provision (number to remain as existing).”

It said the proposal would create 10 full and three part-time jobs.

An officer report recommending refusal said concerns were raised by the county Highways authority, who having assessed the application on safety, capacity and policy considerations, recommended the application be REFUSED on the grounds of insufficient evidence provided.

“The submitted design and access statement and block plan indicate on-site parking provision for 16 vehicles, located to the north and west of the building. The application form states that the site will employ 10 full-time staff and three part-time staff. However, the submission does not differentiate between practitioners and ancillary/support staff.”

It said, on planning guidance, health centres require three spaces per practitioner; and one space per three ancillary staff, adding: “As the applicant has not provided a breakdown of staff roles, the Highway Authority is unable to assess whether the proposed parking provision is adequate.”

It stressed: “Whist there is no in-principle objection to the redevelopment of this established site for a dental surgery, insufficient information has been provided to fully assess the proposal.”

It was refused on the grounds including it would lead “to the unjustified loss of an employment premises in a location which contributes to the local supply of employment land and buildings,” adding: “Insufficient evidence has been submitted to demonstrate that the building is no longer suitable or viable for continued employment use, nor that there is overriding community need to justify its loss.”

It was also refused on the grounds that “Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the development would operate without giving rise to unacceptable highway safety impacts or on street parking pressure”.