A CALL for a further time extension for the implementation of a waste recycling facility in north Pembrokeshire has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application recommended for approval at the April 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Llew Rees of Gamallt ready mix concrete, through agent SLR Consulting Ltd, sought an extension of time, for the development of the facility on land adjoining Clunderwen Depot, Nevern Road, Glanrhyd, some 4km from Cardigan.

The application followed two previous successful time extension calls for the 2007-approved material recovery facility.

An officer report recommended approval, subject to a lengthy string of conditions including the scheme be commenced within 12 months of the decision date and no more than 24,999 tonnes of material be accepted.

“This section 73 application is to extend the commencement time limit for the previously approved Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) therefore the principle of the development has been previously considered, although some time ago in relation to the original permission.

“Whilst this is a section 73 application, because the commencement period has passed (as of March 22, 2025), granting this application would essentially give another opportunity for the proposal to be implemented.

“A refusal would mean that a new full planning application would be required as there is no longer an extant planning permission at the site. Therefore, whilst the consideration of section 73 applications is limited to those specific matters applied for, section 73 applications also need to consider the acceptability of the principle of the development as a new planning permission for the development would be issued, albeit with a one-year commencement of development timescale.”

It went on to say: “As confirmed in the original application, the Glanrhyd development is intended to focus on Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, suitable for the production of recycled aggregate, which would then be complementary to the applicant’s wider quarrying interests, and waste recycling aligned to the farming community in terms of the recycling of wood (for use as sawdust for animal bedding), composting of green waste, and recycling of tyres, none of which are catered for in the immediate local area.

“There are similar facilities to this, further afield in Pembrokeshire, but these are mostly south of Glanrhyd in Haverfordwest, Withybush and Milford Haven. However, the applicant highlights that these are some distance from the location of the proposed development and so would not be sustainable in terms of managing these waste arisings in the North Pembrokeshire area.”

It added: “The facility will make a positive contribution to the sustainable management of waste in Pembrokeshire and will help to drive the percentage of recycling up for the county.”

Moving approval, local member Cllr John T Davies said: “This proposal has been around with the county council nearly as long I have,” adding the details in the extensive report for members and the one-year extension was “reasonable”.

The application was conditionally approved.

Campaigners warn climate and nature crisis is already affecting communities and say stronger government action cannot be delayed

PEMBROKESHIRE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH has renewed calls for urgent action on climate change and nature loss following a recent film screening and discussion at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth.

The event focused on the growing threat posed by climate change and the decline of the natural environment, with campaigners warning that the challenges facing the country are more immediate and serious than many people realise.

The film featured broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham introducing presentations from a range of experts, including climate scientists and military voices. They called on the Government to launch a national response to the climate and nature crisis, showing the same level of leadership seen during World War Two and the financial crisis.

Those involved in the campaign say the aim is to push for a much stronger national effort to reduce emissions, protect wildlife and prepare communities for the effects of a more dangerous climate.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth said extreme weather, including heavier rainfall, is only the beginning of what lies ahead if urgent action is not taken.

They warned that climate and nature breakdown could increasingly damage public health, food systems, infrastructure, national security and economic stability.

The group says there is strong evidence that bold action would not only cut emissions and improve resilience, but also create jobs and improve lives.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth is calling for emergency legislation to speed up cuts in climate-changing emissions while investing in measures to help communities adapt.

For further information, contact Bettina Becker at Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth on [email protected]or 01437 563657.

CONTRACTS to bring the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors to North Wales will be signed later today, marking a major step forward in Welsh Labour’s vision of an energy-independent Wales that can tackle the cost of living and help keep energy bills low.

Ynys Môn was selected last year as the site for the UK’s flagship SMR programme by the UK Labour Government, ending years of Conservative delay and uncertainty over the future of Wylfa, which had left local communities waiting for the investment they were promised.

Wales is now at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy future, unlocking what Welsh Labour says is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Ynys Môn and the wider Welsh economy, with two Labour governments working together.

Recent international instability has once again highlighted the risks of relying on imported energy. Welsh Labour says its plan for an energy-independent Wales, harnessing wind, solar, tidal and nuclear power, would reduce that reliance, lower bills, and help keep them low over the long term.

Welsh Labour Leader Eluned Morgan said: “Only Welsh Labour is focused on taking real action to tackle the cost of living and guarantee our energy security. We are also the only party with the ambition and track record to ensure Wales meets its net-zero goals. Plaid Cymru has already rowed back on its ‘unrealistic’ net-zero target, and its internal divisions on nuclear would put projects like Wylfa at risk. Reform would take Wales back to the days of coal.

“We have seen time and again how volatile international energy markets can be, especially in times of conflict. An energy-independent Wales would reduce our reliance on unstable global markets, helping to keep energy bills as low as possible.”

At peak construction, around 3,000 high-skilled jobs are expected to be created on site, with thousands more supported across the wider supply chain. The initial development will include up to three Rolls-Royce SMR units, with the potential for Wylfa to host as many as eight reactors in total, cementing its role as one of the UK’s most important energy hubs for decades to come.

Today’s agreement between Great British Energy Nuclear and Rolls-Royce SMR formally begins the design phase of the project. It builds on the UK Labour Government’s decision in 2025 to select Rolls-Royce as its preferred technology partner, as well as the funding support confirmed through the Spending Review.

Welsh Labour says the investment is about more than energy generation alone. It is about long-term economic security, stable jobs, and protecting Wales from the volatility of global energy markets.