News

Double ‘no’ from Dr Jones

Published

11 years ago

February 11, 2015

TWO requests made by county councillors to call-in planning applications to the planning committee are to be heard this morning (Friday) by the authority’

Director of Development: Dr
Steven Jones.

s Planning Delegation Panel.

The ad-hoc panel meets only when applications are submitted by councillors wishing to remove planning applications from the scheme of delegation – which are determined by officers, and bring them to the Planning and Rights of Way Committee – which are decided by councillors.

Councillor David Howlett who represents the Wiston ward has applied to call-in an application on a plot of land in Spittal.

Cllr Howlett says that the environmental consequences of the application at the site of the former Golden Hill Garage are potentially important. In his supporting statement the Conservative representative also states: “the weight of comments made by the Planning Inspectorate on a very similar application should be heard in a public arena”.

The council’s Director of Development, Dr Steven Jones disagrees with Cllr Howlett that the application should go to the planning committee and would rather it stays in the hands of his officers for determination, under his delegated powers and recommends councillors of the Planning Delegation Panel to refuse Cllr Howlett’s request to allow the application to go to the committee.

In his recommendation, Dr Jones says: “the application does not raise demonstrable issues that could be considered as meeting the relevant criteria for referral to the Planning and Rights of Way Committee”.

Dr Jones also wants another councillor’s call-in request to be rejected by councillors at this morning’s meeting. East Williamston representative Cllr Jacob Williams has made a request to call in an application at the former Pentlepoir School site which the council sold last year to a private developer.

In his call-in request Cllr Williams says that he has been approached by constituents with great concerns about drainage matters and part of the plans which has the potential for overlooking. Cllr Williams says he shares their concerns which would see dominant houses close to the border of the school’s former playing field adjoining a previously existing cul-de-sac of detached bungalows, and believes this could raise privacy and overshadowing issues.

Cllr Williams also refers to a “perceived lack of consistency with the council’s approach” to the site which the authority allowed to “languish in a state of disrepair for years”, and says: “a public examination of this application by the planning committee will go some way in reassuring my community that their views – which do not oppose the fundamental idea of the site being developed – are going to be listened to and considered, and that they will be seen to be”.

Cllr Williams had originally asked Dr Jones if he would call in the application under his own delegation but Dr Jones refused to do so, and now also recommends the application not to go to committee, saying that he considers “there are no grounds for the application being considered by the committee”.

The final decision over whether the two applications will be allowed to be heard by the planning committee will be made by the small panel of four Councillors: Reg Owens, Rob Summons and Tom Richards, all of the ruling Independent Plus Group, and Councillor Paul Miller, the Leader of the Labour Group.

Both Cllrs Howlett and Williams are able to attend the meetings and argue their cases but are not allowed to vote, similarly the Chairman of the planning committee, Cllr Myles Pepper, is also able to attend and address the panel if he wishes, but cannot vote.

Community

New foal born at Dyfed Shire Farm as rare breed season begins

Published

5 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suffolk Punch mare gives birth to strong colt foal ahead of May bank holiday farm opening

DYFED SHIRE FARM has welcomed its first foal of 2026, with a Suffolk Punch mare giving birth to a strong colt.

The new arrival was announced on Saturday by the Pembrokeshire farm, which said the foal is from mare Dixie and is doing well.

In a social media post, the farm said: “Mother nature working 100% as we would want.”

The birth will be seen as a boost for the farm and for supporters of traditional horse breeds, with the Suffolk Punch regarded as one of Britain’s rarest native working horse breeds.

Dyfed Shire Farm has not yet chosen a name for the colt and has invited the public to send in suggestions.

The farm is preparing to open to visitors over the early May bank holiday weekend, with opening times announced for Friday, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and again on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Visitors are expected to be able to see Dixie and her foal during the open days.

The Pembrokeshire attraction also used the announcement to promote stays at its campsite as interest grows around the latest addition.

Images shared online show the foal standing close to its mother in a field, as well as resting in the spring sunshine.

Photo caption: New arrival: Dyfed Shire Farm has announced the birth of its first foal of 2026, a Suffolk Punch colt born to mare Dixie (Pics: Dyfed Shire Farm).

Climate

National emergency film screening in Narberth calls for urgent climate action

Published

6 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.

Local Government

Dog bin misuse causing mess at Haverfordwest Racecourse

Published

6 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town council says general litter is blocking dog waste bins and leaving walkers with nowhere to dispose of bagged waste properly

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has urged Racecourse users to dispose of rubbish responsibly after repeated misuse of dog waste bins.

The council said it provides both general waste and dog waste facilities at the Upper and Lower Racecourse, as well as at most other green spaces it owns or maintains.

However, it has received ongoing reports — backed by photographic evidence — of general litter, including coffee cups and other rubbish, being placed in dog waste bins at Haverfordwest Racecourse.

Council officials say this misuse is causing the bins to become blocked and appear full when they are not. As a result, dog walkers are sometimes left with no option but to place bagged dog waste beside the bins, creating what the council described as an avoidable and unpleasant environment for everyone.

The council said this was not acceptable and could easily be avoided.

Dog waste bins are intended for bagged dog waste only and should not be used for general litter.

The council is asking all users to avoid putting general rubbish in dog bins and instead either take litter home or use the appropriate general waste bins available elsewhere on the Racecourse.

The town clerk thanked the majority of responsible users for their cooperation and said their support helps keep the Racecourse clean and welcoming for everyone.