News

Loan agreed for harbour regeneration

Published

10 years ago

February 23, 2015

THE COUNCIL’s Cabinet has agreed to loan a further £1.25million to the Saundersfoot Harbour Commission to help with the regeneration of the Harbour.

As part of the recommendation the Council will also enter into negotiations with the Harbour Commissioners to discuss the disposal of a former coal office which is partly owned by the Council.

Council Leader Jamie Adams described it as an ‘exciting scheme’ while Cllr Keith Lewis said that not being involved with the project would not put the authority in a ‘good light’.

Cllr Keith Lewis said: “This went before Cabinet in September 2013 where we approved a loan of £1.25 million. The Welsh Government has now acknowledged the importance of Saundersfoot as a marine centre and also within the context of Pembrokeshire College who have also acknowledged the application of courses at the site in terms of marine studies.

“The whole idea has moved on, originally the request was for money for the purchase of the Jones & Teague building, that money has now been secured through the Welsh Government.

“This means that that will become phase one of the project and associated with the funding already in place is phase two which is a visitor platform around the sluice area so that that offer is already in place in terms of finance. The authority’s involvement now has been moved to a third phase which is centred around a building that we already own which is the former coal office, now known as the barbeque building. That is partly in our ownership and forms a part of this particular request in that the total cost of development associated with the land around the car park and barbeque building is £1.65 million.

“The Saundersfoot Harbour Commission has already funded £400,000 and this is why we have this before us today in that there completion on the purchase of the building which isn’t ours really depends on us continuing to support with this loan.

“Cabinet needs to be aware that in this £1.25 million it does reflect what is owed to the authority in terms of the change of ownership in the Barbeque building so they may come back to us in the future with an extension of this loan agreement to cover the purchase cost.

“The one thing that I need to stress, as this is a significant amount of money, is that relevant checks have been carried out and the model in place in terms of the business plan, we are happy that they would support this loan with repayment over fifteen years. As part of the security of this loan we would require a bond on the property until the buildings are complete.

“Having said that, the secondary loan to cover the purchase of the authority’s property will have to be assessed separately. In terms of what is before us today, I think this is a wonderful, wonderful opportunity to show our commitment to the tourist industry of Pembrokeshire and to not be a part of such a development would not put the authority in good light”.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “It’s an exciting scheme and I think we recognise there is an opportunity of investment a significant opportunity of some great usage for the tourist industry”.

Business

Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation

Published

5 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.

Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.

For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.

Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”

Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.

News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

Published

5 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

Pembrokeshire County Council
Police and Crime Commissioner
Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP

News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.

Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.

Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”