PLANS for a housing development on the edge of Pembroke Dock have been turned down in part due to the ongoing issue of nitrates guidance which has “essentially placed a moratorium on certain types of development” in the county.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, R Keeble through agent CFW Architects Ltd sought permission for a development of five new homes on land off Nelson Street, Pennar, Pembroke Dock.

The application was supported by Pembroke Dock Town Council’s planning committee.

In their report planning officers said the applicant has failed to provide a completed unilateral undertaking to secure the necessary contributions towards local needs affordable housing.

Welsh Water Dwr Cymru suggested a delay if approval was given: “The proposed development would drain to Pembroke Dock Waste water Treatment Works which is currently failing to comply with the 95 per cent quartile for its flow passed forward (FPF) performance.

“However, a scheme is planned for completion by December 31, 2026,” suggesting: “No buildings on the application site shall be brought into beneficial use earlier than December 31, 2026, unless the scheme at the Waste Water Treatment Works, into which the development shall drain, has been completed and written confirmation of this has been issued by the local planning authority.”

A preliminary risk assessment in respect of potential contamination has been submitted with this application, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has recommended a condition for further investigative work in the event contamination is found.

The officer report adds: “The proposed development would result in an increase in nitrogen discharges draining into the Milford Haven Inner waterbody of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) where features are known to be in unfavourable condition due to current evidence of both chemical and biological failure.

“The application fails to secure appropriate mitigation and contains insufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed development would achieve nutrient neutrality for nitrogen. Accordingly, it cannot be demonstrated that the proposed development would not lead to further deterioration of water quality.

“A conclusion of no adverse effect on the integrity of the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC cannot therefore be drawn.”

The application was refused on the grounds of the local needs affordable housing contribution and the potential impact on the Milford Haven Inner waterbody of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation.

Late last year Pembrokeshire County Council, in a letter to Welsh Government, raised the authority’s “great concern over Natural Resources Wales’ recent river nitrates guidance in relation to development, and the serious effects this is having”.

It said: “As you are aware, it has essentially placed a moratorium on certain types of development in Pembrokeshire, a situation with no quick or obvious way out.”

HAVERFORDWEST Castle Ward’s county councillor Thomas Tudor says action has now been taken to deal with slippery, moss-covered pavements at Slade Park after concerns were raised by local residents.

Residents contacted Cllr Tudor about the condition of the footpaths within the housing complex, warning that the thick build-up of moss was making the surfaces dangerous underfoot.

Photographs taken before the work was carried out show large sections of pavement covered in moss, creating a potentially hazardous surface for pedestrians.

Cllr Tudor said he was pleased to report that, following his intervention, the pavements have now been cleaned by Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire County Council Housing Services.

He praised the maintenance team for their work and said the clean-up would make a real difference for people living in the area.

Among those pleased with the result was local resident Cora Hackett, who was pictured after the work was completed.

Mayor and councillors say recent events have caused concern among residents, businesses and visitors

TENBY TOWN COUNCIL has called for a stronger visible police presence in the town following a series of incidents involving groups of youths, including disorder, criminal damage and a serious assault.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (Apr 8), the council said the mayor and town councillors were aware of recent incidents and expressed their sympathy with those affected.

The statement comes after Tuesday night’s major incident at Tenby railway station, where four youths suffered stab wounds during serious disorder. Two people – a 16-year-old youth and a 19-year-old man – have been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault, while British Transport Police are leading the investigation.

The council said its thoughts were with those affected and wished the injured a full and speedy recovery.

Members also voiced support for Dyfed-Powys Police and all emergency services involved in the response, thanking them for their swift action. The council urged anyone with information to come forward so those responsible can be held to account.

In the statement, the council said that while Tenby remains a welcoming, close-knit and safe community, the events of recent days had understandably caused concern among residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Councillors added that the behaviour did not reflect the values of the town or the overwhelming majority of its young people.

The council said it believes Tenby needs more visible policing, particularly during busy periods, both to reassure the public and to act as a deterrent to further incidents.

It added that it would continue working closely with the police, Pembrokeshire County Council and other partner agencies to address the issues and support longer-term solutions.

The statement concluded by saying Tenby thrives on being a safe and friendly place for everyone, and that the council remains committed to doing everything within its remit to protect that reputation and ensure residents and visitors feel secure in the town.