A CALL for a formal seasonal Pembrokeshire campsite with motorhomes camping on the site of a former scrapyard has been given the go-ahead by national park planners.

In an application recommended for approval at the July meeting of Pembrokeshire coast National Park’s development management committee, Mr A Stoddart, through agent Addison Design & Development, sought permission for a change of use of land for the formation of 11 ‘touring caravan’ pitches, tent pitches and the siting of three shepherd’s huts, partly retrospective, on land to the east of Talbenny Hall Farm, Talbenny, near Haverfordwest.

The retrospective element related to the retention of an existing storage shed and facilities building.

The application was for committee consideration as officers had recommended approval despite objections from local community council The Havens.

An officer report for members said a change of use was sought for a a former scrapyard site, “which has been remediated and more recently operated as a seasonal campsite, to provide a seasonal formal camping and glamping site”.

It added: “During the determination of the application, a significant amount of additional information has been submitted in response to consultee comments. In particular, the Local Highway Authority initially objected to the proposal on highway safety grounds pending the submission of further technical information.”

It said those concerns had been withdrawn after further information was received, the scheme before committee as it “relates to a new tourism development in the countryside, and because The Havens Community Council has maintained an objection on highway safety grounds”.

It went on to say: “The site will operate as a medium sized seasonal tourism development between March 31 and September 30 each year. The applicant has confirmed that the three shepherd’s huts will be removed from the site outside the operating season and stored within the existing onsite storage building.

“Officers consider that the previously developed nature of the site, its enclosed landscape setting, seasonal operation and the resolution of technical matters relating to highway safety, ecology and drainage demonstrate overall policy compliance with the requirements [of planning policy] and the proposal is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

At the meeting, members heard the 2023 submitted scheme had been delayed due to the applicant facing “exceptional personal circumstances”.

Concerns were raised at the meeting by objector Alison Gibbey on highways grounds, while agent Zac Addison told members the former scrapyard had been transformed into “a beautiful little haven,” the applicant not wanting to be “a nuisance to anybody”.

He said the ‘touring pitches’ would be solely used for motorhomes, with a maximum of 20 tents in the tent pitch area.

Moving approval, Cllr Di Clements reflected it was positive tourism in the county was spreading inland away from “honey pot” coastal areas, suggesting a ‘quiet time’ evening condition be included in any approval.

Members unanimously backed the recommendation of approval, Cllr Mike James commenting: “to have something like this in the rural areas, it’s really good to see this.”

Solva Edge Festival will return from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26, bringing three days of live music, literature, crafts and community activities to the Pembrokeshire coast.

Held at Solva Football Club’s Maes y Môr ground, the volunteer-run festival will feature performances across two stages, alongside poetry readings, storytelling, wellbeing sessions, creative workshops and outdoor activities.

The weekend will open on Friday with a performance by Gelliswick Community Choir, setting the tone for a festival rooted in Pembrokeshire talent and community spirit.

Main stage acts

This year’s main-stage headliners are The Stickmen Project on Friday, Electric Kicks on Saturday and UK Foo Fighters, who will close the festival on Sunday.

They will be joined by local favourites Twpsyn and Cardinal Sin, while Sunday’s Legends Slot will feature ABBA tribute act Bjorn to Be.

Stowaway, a young band from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and winners of the Pembrokeshire Battle of the Bands, will also make their Solva Edge debut.

Acoustic performances

The Shipwreck Stage will host a weekend of acoustic and intimate performances, including sets from Robyn Benge and Bryony Sier, alongside a line-up of emerging artists.

Literature at the Edge

The festival’s literature programme will include poet Ifor Thomas, reading from his new collection, The Undertaker’s Invoice.

Matthew Raggett will discuss his latest book, Crab Salad with Books and Bards, while Simon Alderwick will share work from his collections published by Broken Sleep Books, much of it inspired by the local landscape.

Storyteller John Roach will explore the origins of the Welsh Red Dragon through a mixture of history, writing and hands-on craft activities.

Pilates and dance sessions led by Viktoriia will also take place during the weekend.

Crafts and outdoor activities

Visitors will be able to take part in a range of creative workshops, including flower crown making with The Floral Goat, pottery design with Mary George and mosaics and printing with Penny Dafforn.

Outdoor activities will include coastal foraging with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Get Outdoors co-ordinator Ben Macare, a Smugglers and Pirates session with long-standing park volunteer Gordon Lewis and a Solva beach clean organised by EcoDewi.

Food, drink and family activities

The Green Scar Bar will return, serving local ciders, craft beers and traditional favourites.

Food stalls, makers, artists and family activities will operate throughout the weekend.

Solva Edge Festival is organised entirely by volunteers from the village, with surplus funds used to support youth and community organisations across the area.

Previous beneficiaries have included Solva AFC, St Davids Guides, Strength Academy Wales, Simpson Cross Activities Group and Roch’s Victoria Hall Association.

The festival will be held at Solva Football Club, Maes y Môr, Solva, SA62 6XW, with parking available.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Further information is available at www.edgefestival.co.uk.

More than 50 young performers will take to the stage in 133 sustainably sourced costumes

MORE than 50 young people from across Pembrokeshire are preparing to bring the legend of Robin Hood to life at the Torch Theatre this month.

The theatre’s Summer Youth Show, Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight, will feature 133 costumes, all of which have been sourced with sustainability in mind.

Supported by the Port of Milford Haven and the Ingles Charitable Trust, the production will run for three nights only, from Monday, July 20, to Wednesday, July 22.

Costume designer Fi Russell has been responsible for creating a distinctive look for the large cast while working within the production’s budget.

She said: “There are more than 130 costumes in this show, so it has been a challenge to source that many outfits within budget while also making them identifiable, rooted in each character and fun.”

Fi trained in scenography at Aberystwyth University before specialising in theatre design and completing a postgraduate diploma at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

She has now worked as a professional theatre designer for more than 15 years.

Fi said the audience’s experience is central to her approach when designing costumes.

She explained: “I love thinking about how the audience will understand, react and respond to the costumes.

“For this show, I have used really strong colour distinctions between the different character groups to make the story as easy to follow as possible.”

Fi’s recent work includes designing the set and costumes for Le Navet Bete’s fast-paced comedy Oh Zeus! and working with magicians The Great Baldini and Peter Clifford on The Curious Case of the Masked Magician. Both productions are currently touring the UK.

Environmental considerations have also played an important part in the preparations for the Torch production.

Fi added: “Sustainability and the environment are really important to me and are embedded in my work.

“We are hiring and borrowing many of the costumes rather than buying new ones, and we will make sure that no clothing goes to landfill at the end of the show.”

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre at 6.30pm on Monday, July 20, Tuesday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 22.

Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions, and are available through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.