A CALL for a special group to evaluate “sustainable, inclusive, and effective practices for the maintenance of local Gypsy Traveller sites within the county” will be considered by Pembrokeshire councillors next year.

In a notice of motion before the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembroke Monkton and St Mary South councillor Aaron Carey called for ‘The establishment of a cross-departmental Working Group for the maintenance of local Gypsy Traveller sites’.

Cllr Carey’s motion read: “That council agrees to the establishment of a cross-departmental working group, comprised of relevant council representatives, stakeholders, and representatives of local Gypsy Traveller communities, with the objective of assessing, evaluating, and recommending sustainable, inclusive, and effective practices for the maintenance of local Gypsy Traveller sites within the county.

“The working group will: Assess the current condition of Gypsy Traveller sites, including infrastructure, safety, sanitation, and accessibility. Engage with Gypsy Traveller communities to understand their specific needs and concerns regarding site maintenance.

“Review best practices from other local authorities and regions for managing and maintaining Gypsy Traveller sites. Consider the financial and resource implications of maintenance proposals and develop a clear action plan.

“Provide recommendations to the council for improvements and sustainable management of the sites, with the aim of improving living conditions for residents. The working group will present its findings and recommendations to full Council/Cabinet/O&S (where appropriate) within six months of the establishment of the group, following a series of consultations and site visits.”

Members agreed Cllr Carey’s notice of motion would be considered at a future services overview and scrutiny committee.

A CALL to convert a former Haverfordwest launderette to housing to provide “a much-needed low-cost home” has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, through agent Mathew Hitches Architectural Services, a change of use of Hill Street Laundry, 19, Hill Street, in the town’s conservation area, to a dwelling was sought.

A supporting statement said: “The ground floor of the property was used as a launderette up until February 2024. The business is no longer operating, so the ground floor is currently a vacant unused space. The upper floor had renovation works carried out in 2009 and is used as a separate dwelling which shares an access with the former launderette.

“The launderette was running as a successful business and started trading mid-1990s. Sadly over the years the demand for the business decreased and became less profitable each year. With a combination of rising bills, outdated machinery and minimal profit, the decision was made to cease trading in February 2024, as the business was no longer considered viable.

“In October 2024 the property was advertised as a commercial unit available to rent. The property was listed by West Wales Home Rentals for several weeks. No interest was shown. In April 2025 the entire property, commercial ground floor and residential floors above, was placed on the market for sale by FBM. Again, very little interest was shown in the property so it was taken off the market in September 2025.

“The applicant has been actively advertising the property for sale or rent for the last 12 months. There are many adequate alternative employment / business sites throughout Haverfordwest and beyond. It would appear that the continued use as a business in this location is no longer viable.  As there is a high demand for low-cost housing it is felt that a proposed change of use from Class A1 (presumed) to C3(a), would be appropriate in this location.”

It finished: “The property is no longer viable as a business and is lying vacant. The proposal for a change of use to a dwelling will provide a much-needed low-cost home to the open market. Proposed minor alterations to the appearance of the building will have no detrimental effect on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

The application was conditionally approved by planning officers.

A FORMER Haverfordwest town centre nightclub has been given the go-ahead to become a tuition studio and delicatessen.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Peter Davies sought permission for a change of use of 15-17, Quay Street, Haverfordwest, from the former use listed as a skate shop and as a nightclub, to a delicatessen on the ground floor and tuition studio on the first floor.

An officer report, recommending approval, said the site, in the town’s conservation area and town centre, had previously been granted approval for a 2011 scheme for “a change of use of the first floor to a bar in association with no. 13 Quay Street”.

The report added: “The development is for the change of use of the ground and first floor of the property to allow a delicatessen use with a tuition use to the first floor. The conversion would have economic benefits for the construction industry via the proposed works, with social benefits afforded to the users of the services and facilities provided.

“The development would have environmental benefits created through the provision of biodiversity enhancements secured for the scheme. As such, the development will be in accordance with policy SP 1 of the LDP in regard to being sustainable development.”

It went on to say of the scheme, supported by Haverfordwest Town Council: “As the site would effectively still retain its A1 use via the sale of food in the delicatessen with no seating area shown on submitted plans, the use would not change from that of an A1 use. As such the development would comply with this criterion.”