PLANS for five flats above a supermarket in the centre of Milford Haven have been approved.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, CKs Foodstores Ltd, through agent Josephine Davies, sought approval for a change of use of a first-floor supermarket shop store area to five studio flats at 55-57, Charles Street, an amendment from an initial application for six flats.

The application was supported by Milford Haven Town Council.

An officer report recommending approval said a public consultation exercise was held on the initial plans, with one response from a member of the public who “did not raise any objection to the principle of conversion to flats but had concerns with regards to the impact of the proposal upon the privacy of existing nearby occupiers”.

It said that amendment to a smaller number of flats had addressed that concern.

The report added: “It is considered that the proposed layout of the flats is an appropriate response to the building, having regard to its form and scale and its location.

“New access and window openings have been proposed to accommodate the conversion of the first floor and these are considered appropriate to the proportions of the existing building and will serve to improve its design and appearance by providing variation to the building fenestration, particularly to the eastern elevation along Priory Street and to the rear onto Robert Street, in turn improving the vitality and animation at street level, uplifting a presently tired and uninspiring building in this prominent corner, town centre location.”

It went on to say: “The introduction of an entrance (which will lead to a stairwell to the commercial unit below) and patio doors onto private ‘front garden’ areas to flats 4 and 5 will significantly change this area, from the back of a commercial building/service area to a residential frontage which positively addresses Robert Street and the existing residential on the opposite side of the road.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

A CALL to allow the selling of alcohol as late as 10pm at a rural beauty spot former village tearoom will “create an absolute nightmare” exacerbating an already growing issue with antisocial behaviour, objectors have said.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s licensing sub-committee meeting of February 19 members will consider an application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton.

A report for members says it is proposed the premises, formerly a tearoom called ‘Ye Olde Worlde Café’ would open 8am-10pm, selling alcohol from 9am on and off site, seven days a week in the village near the famed lily ponds.

Since the proposal for the site, close to the village pub The St Govan’s Inn was publicised, 13 objections were received, including Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council.

In its submissions, the community council said it “will cause a significant public nuisance in the residential area”.

“Bosherston village is a remote village and currently has four well-established camp sites which already frequently cause late night disruption, littering and anti-social behaviour caused predominantly by intoxicated individuals.

“Residing next to the Stackpole Estate, an area of outstanding natural beauty (many areas covered by SSSI), noise generated by outdoor activities, such as the consumption of alcoholic beverages and indoor music and dancing, will generate unacceptable noise levels for residents and have an impact on local wildlife.”

It went on to say: “The provision of alcohol for such extended hours increases the risk likelihood of individuals engaging in criminal activities. Late-night alcohol sales are often associated with increased incidents of drunkenness, vandalism, and other public disorder offences. Instances of aggressive behaviour and trespass are already prevalent within the village by visitors under the influence of alcohol.

“The selling of alcoholic off-sales from such extended hours will likely pose an increased risk to public safety, exasperated by the influx of people late at night leading to confrontations, accidents, and a likely strain on local emergency services.”

Concerns raised by members of the public included “the application as currently written allows for a pub-style operation with morning drinking, off-sales, and dancing,” and “greater access to alcohol for unlimited campers cannot possibly result in anything but an increased problem with drunkenness, drink driving and antisocial behaviour,” and a call imploring “no to a licence, under any circumstances” says the alcohol licence “will not only make life for the residents in the immediate area an absolute nightmare, it will also have a hugely detrimental effect on the village as a whole and could threaten the peace and beauty of the surrounding ponds, beach and coastline.”

Another said: “One unintended consequence of this application has been increased discussions among neighbours regarding the prevalence of antisocial behaviour in the area. There is genuine concern that increased availability of alcohol may contribute to a rise in such behaviour, potentially placing significant strain on the already stretched emergency services.”

The application will be considered at the licensing committee.

PAUL DAVIES and Samuel Kurtz, Conservative Members of the Senedd have hosted a business advice surgery in response to mounting concerns about recent rateable value changes introduced by the Welsh Government.

The event followed an online forum on business rates, where local businesses raised serious worries about sharp increases in their rateable values and the impact this is having on already stretched budgets.

Over 140 entrepreneurs and business owners registered for the online forum held last month which also brought together industry representatives and the Valuation Office Agency.

Held in Narberth, on Tuesday 17^th February, the surgery provided an opportunity for businesses to raise concerns directly with Paul Davies, Member of the Senedd for Preseli Pembrokeshire and Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. Both standing for the new Ceredigion Penfro seat in May’s Senedd election.

The session focused on the challenges businesses face regarding business rates, financial pressures, and navigating support schemes. Attendees were able to share their experiences, ask questions, and make their voices heard by speaking direct to those who can challenge decisions taken by Welsh Government.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,”said Samuel Kurtz, “After hosting the online forum on business rates, it was clear that many businesses wanted a chance to discuss their concerns in person. This surgery allowed us to listen, provide advice, and explore how we can support them effectively.”

Paul Davies MS commented, “Businesses across Pembrokeshire are deeply concerned about the Welsh Government’s changes to rateable values. Many feel the new assessments simply do not reflect the current trading conditions. We are determined to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear.”

Local business owners welcomed the initiative, praising it as a practical and accessible way to voice their concerns on managing business rates and other financial challenges.

The surgery is part of an ongoing commitment to support local businesses, amplify their concerns, and ensure businesses voices are heard in policy discussions.

Davies and Kurtz have committed to continuing to press the Welsh Government for a fairer approach to business rates and have already written to Labour’s Financial Cabinet Secretary, Mark Drakeford, sharing the experience and impact of local businesses facing rising rate bills.

Business owners wishing to share their experiences or seek advice are encouraged to contact their constituency offices.