News

Shed raises a stink

Published

10 years ago

January 29, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Modern milking: An example of the type of facility at Velindre Farm

THE NATIONAL PARK’S Development and Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 21, to decide on the future of the controversial construction of a 2252 square metres cow shed in St Nicholas. Even though the development was recommended for refusal, National Park members voted to permit the development of the cattle accommodation and attendant 1 acre slurry lagoon in October 2014. At the time the reports before planners advised that the scheme represented: “an inappropriate and harmful industrial form of development”.

The Herald understands that a modern rotary milking parlour, capable of dealing with the 680 head of cattle in farmer Daniel Harries’ herd is part of the same development. A final decision on the development was due to be reached at the January 21 meeting. However, in December farmer Daniel Harries began construction of the accommodation without awaiting a final decision.

Mr Harries has claimed that delays by the National Park in determining his application forced his hand. However, The Herald understands Mr Harries purchased the cattle for his farming business ahead of receiving planning approval knowing that he would have to house them over winter due to animal welfare laws and provide appropriate provision for slurry.

The effect of those laws is that, having bought cattle, Mr Harries is obliged to provide suitable accommodation for his herd. Why Mr Harries bought cattle while his application fell to be determined is a matter planners will want to consider in the light of local objections to the development. As things stand, it is at least arguable that Mr Harries has exploited a conflict of laws to press ahead with the development without final planning permission.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said: “A National Park Authority enforcement officer visited the site on January 5th 2015 and confirmed that work to erect the cattle accommodation building had commenced. “The landowner/applicant was advised that any work carried out without the benefit of planning permission was carried out at his own risk and that should permission be refused, he would be responsible for carrying out the necessary remedial works to remedy the breach of planning control. “The authority will not be taking any further action until the planning application has been determined by the Development Management Committee on January 21.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.