News

Wind turbine extension refused

Published

9 years ago

September 22, 2015

PLANS to extend the height of a controversial wind turbine near Castle Cenlas, Mathry, were refused by the Planning and Rights of Way Committee.

The committee met on Tuesday, September 8, to discuss the application which had been recommended for approval by planning officers.

A previous application to the committee for the turbine was made in September 2014 but that was also refused by the committee.

However, the application was subsequently granted on appeal in March 2015.

The application before the committee sought to extend the height of the blade tip from 34.5m to 36.6m.

There were near farcical scenes when the vote was taken as at first the vote had been recorded as six for the application and seven against it.

The agent Martin Horne stood up in the public gallery demanding a recount of those who had voted but it was eventually clarified that six had voted for and seven had voted against.

Objecting as she did at the previous meeting, Annie Lock said: “My husband and I run a luxury camping and yurts business which is near where the turbine will be sited.

“Visitors come for the peace, tranquillity and landscape. We have been through the anxiety and stress of two other turbine applications by this applicant, both of which were refused by the planning committee.

“Over 150 people have objected to this amendment alone. This application is being presented to you as a minor change. This turbine will be over two metres higher and the blade sweep will be over 50% greater than the turbine which you have already turned down.

“The sweep, covering a 50% larger area, will have a devastating impact on the visual amenity and tranquillity of the area and our campsite.

“The recommendation to accept this turbine is just a gamble. Would you choose to go on holiday underneath a large turbine? You answered no to a smaller turbine last time.”

Cllr Brian Hall explained that as he had supported the turbine on the previous occasion he would do so again.

However, a number of councillors felt uncomfortable with the recommendation.

Cllr Peter Stock said: “I’ve always got great concern when we look at anything that could possibly affect the quality of Pembrokeshire.

“Visual impact is very important, and looking at Pembrokeshire now, we have many turbines up and this is possibly detrimental to the county.

“This particular one is higher than what we voted on last time and why when we turned it down before, are we being asked to approve this one?

“I believe that if we approve this today it will have a detrimental effect on that area.”

Cllr Tony Wilcox added: “This is a different application, this is larger and it would have a detrimental effect on the area and there are also two other turbines there so I am not comfortable with the officers’ recommendation.”

Cllr Gwilym Price said: “I can’t support approval here. I think the visual impact is absolutely devastating. I support the community council and the business in this area, tourism is so important to our county and we want to keep it looking as nice as possible. I hate to see too many turbines in an area so I will be voting against this.”

The plans to extend the turbine were refused but the developer still has the green light to go ahead with the existing consent.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.