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Wind turbine extension refused

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turbine123PLANS 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.

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Crime

Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.

Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.

Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

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Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

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THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.

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Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

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Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

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