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Towering turbines must go

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Height issue: Wind turbines are taller than the agreed planning permission • Pic: M Hillen

Height issue: Wind turbines are taller than the agreed planning permission • Pic: M Hillen

A RETROSPECTIVE planning application for two wind turbines, which were built higher than they should have been, has been turned down.

Permission was granted in April 2012 for two turbines measuring at 23 metres to hub and 34.9 metres to blade tip.

However, the turbines, located in Lammas Farm near Wolfscastle, Haverfordwest, have been built at 29 metres to hub and 39.7 metres to blade tip.

The application for the turbines came before the Planning and Rights of Way Committee on Tuesday, January 19 with a recommendation of approval.

Some councillors felt that the increase in size would not be a problem and one councillor said they were hamstrung by the fact that permission was already in place.

There were also concerns that the turbines were located just 120 metres from a bridleway when the British Horse Society recommends a safe distance of 200 metres.

Wolfscastle Community Council also objected to the application as they felt the turbines should have been built to the height that was originally granted.

Cllr Brian Hall moved the recommendation for approval saying: “It’s already got consent and what would concern me is that if we refuse this today this will go to appeal and the inspector will approve it on the basis it’s been approved before.”

The recommendation was then seconded by Cllr Ken Rowlands.

Cllr Jacob Williams asked how the council had become aware that the turbines had been built taller than they should have been.

The council’s case officer replied: “Consent was granted in April 2012 and there was some email correspondence from January 2013 where it had come to light that the turbines erected on the site appeared to be bigger than when they were approved. The delay has been caused by a lot of correspondence and they told us that they had erected the turbines in error.”

It was also suggested that, if approved, the application should be delegated to the Head of Planning to await a response from the Civil Aviation Authority who were listed as a consultee in the report.

Cllr Keith Lewis said: “I feel quite uncomfortable as there is some resemblance to the application we have just dealt with a house that was higher than the permission granted.

“If a turbine is bigger, the potential impact is always going to be greater and these turbines are five metres higher than what was granted so that does cause me some concern.

“I do think that simply because it was passed then that it necessarily follows that a higher turbine shouldn’t fall awry of that.”

Cllr Rod Bowen added: “The British Horse Society recommends a safe distance of 200m and the fact that nothing has happened is not good enough. It is important for us to take into consideration that the bridleway should be moved 80m to accommodate this particular problem.”

Cllr Tony Brinsden said: “I am totally opposed to this. I have a feeling that this is an attempt to pull the wool over our eyes.

“Built in error! I can’t believe that for one second. It’s not like putting up a Wendy house, this is a massive turbine erection and to say it is built in error is a load of codswallop.”

Cllr Gwilym Price said he was also concerned and added that nobody would make the mistake of a few metres.

Cllr Myles Pepper said: “I don’t agree with the impact being moderate, to me this is a high impact but I think we are hamstrung by the fact that permission is in place.”

Cllr Peter Stock said he also felt uneasy and added that developers should abide by the application they put in.

After a lengthy debate, the recommendation for approval was lost by six votes to seven.

A motion for refusal, on the basis of visual impact, was then put forward by Cllr Peter Morgan and that was supported by seven votes to six.

 

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Business

Crug Glas offers exclusive wedding luxury in the heart of Pembrokeshire

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Private country house venue near St Davids combines elegant celebrations, fine dining and countryside stays

TUCKED away in the Pembrokeshire countryside just a short drive from St Davids, Crug Glas Country House has built a reputation as one of the area’s most exclusive wedding and events venues.

Set among peaceful rural surroundings and restored historic buildings, the venue offers couples and guests a private country house experience where they can celebrate, stay, dine and unwind in stylish surroundings.

Crug Glas is particularly well known for its exclusive-use weddings, giving couples the chance to enjoy the venue as their own for the day. From smaller, intimate ceremonies to larger celebrations, the setting offers flexibility as well as privacy, allowing each wedding to be tailored to suit the couple’s vision.

With elegant interiors, attractive outdoor spaces and dedicated areas for both ceremonies and receptions, the venue is designed to provide a smooth and relaxed flow throughout the day.

Food is also a major part of the Crug Glas experience. The kitchen focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, with menus designed to feel refined while still personal to each event. From wedding breakfasts and private dinners to other celebrations, the dining experience is regularly praised by guests as one of the highlights of the venue.

Crug Glas also hosts Sunday lunches on the last Sunday of every month, offering another chance for visitors to enjoy the setting and its food in a more informal way.

For those staying overnight, the country house offers individually styled rooms combining comfort with character. The accommodation is aimed at giving guests a luxurious but welcoming place to relax, whether they are part of a wedding party, attending a private event, or simply enjoying a countryside break.

While weddings remain at the heart of Crug Glas, the venue is also used for private parties, retreats, workshops and group gatherings. Its adaptable layout and attentive service make it suitable for a wide range of events, while maintaining the same sense of quality and exclusivity.

Guests frequently praise the venue for its peaceful location, high standard of food, beautiful rooms and friendly team, with many describing their stay or event as memorable and seamless from start to finish.

Located in the heart of Pembrokeshire but within easy reach of local towns and coastal attractions, Crug Glas offers a combination of privacy, comfort and understated luxury that continues to make it a popular choice for special occasions.

For wedding bookings, private events and accommodation enquiries, contact Crug Glas Country House directly.

 

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News

MP says Access to Work delays are becoming barrier to employment

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David Chadwick warns disabled people and small businesses are being let down by growing backlogs, long waits and reduced confidence in the system

BRECON, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick has criticised serious delays in the Government’s Access to Work scheme, warning that it is becoming a barrier to employment for disabled people rather than a route into work.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate, the Welsh Liberal Democrat MP said the scheme, which is designed to help disabled people remain in or return to employment, is no longer delivering the support people need when they need it.

Access to Work provides assistance such as specialist equipment, support workers and workplace adaptations, and currently supports more than 74,000 disabled people. It has been widely regarded as good value for money, with studies suggesting it generates £1.48 for every £1 spent.

But demand for the scheme has risen sharply, with waiting lists now standing at around 66,000 people. Applicants are reportedly facing delays of up to 37 weeks for decisions, while some self-employed people have been left waiting for more than a year.

Mr Chadwick, who has previously spoken publicly about being paralysed by Guillain-Barré syndrome, told MPs that he understood first-hand how important practical support can be in helping someone regain their independence and return to work.

He said the current problems with the scheme were having serious real-world consequences, with some people forced to turn down job offers, others struggling to stay in work, and small businesses left uncertain over whether support would be approved.

Concerns were also raised during the debate over the way the scheme operates in practice. These included reports of applicants being made to reapply from scratch even when their circumstances had not changed, lengthy reconsideration processes, and difficulties getting hold of caseworkers.

The debate also heard concerns that applicants in Wales could be unfairly affected by funding decisions, with lower average wages potentially being used to justify lower levels of support.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to cut waiting times, clear the backlog and restore confidence in the scheme.

David Chadwick said: “When I was paralysed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, I know first-hand how frightening it is to wonder if you will ever be able to work again. For many disabled people today, that fear is being made worse by a system that is supposed to support them.

“Access to Work should be a gateway into employment, but right now it is becoming a barrier. People who are ready and willing to work are being let down by delays, bureaucracy and a lack of clarity.

“The consequences are serious. People are losing job opportunities, businesses are losing talented staff, and more individuals are being pushed out of the workforce altogether.

“We should be strengthening this scheme, not allowing it to fall behind. That means urgently tackling the backlog, speeding up decisions and making sure support reflects the real cost of what people need.

“If the Government is serious about getting more disabled people into work, it must fix Access to Work and make it fit for purpose again.”

If you want, I can also turn this into a more balanced Herald version with a DWP response line added and a bit more background.

 

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Entertainment

Yourythmics brings Eurythmics classics to the Torch

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Full-band tribute show led by award-winning Annie Lennox lookalike Stacy Green promises a night of eighties nostalgia in Milford Haven

THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven is inviting audiences to celebrate one of the biggest acts of the 1980s with a night of unforgettable hits and nostalgia.

Taking fans on a journey back in time, Yourythmics brings the music of Eurythmics to life with favourites including Love is a Stranger, Here Comes the Rain Again, Would I Lie to You?, Right by Your Side and, of course, the chart-topping Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).

Yourythmics promises the ultimate full-band tribute to the legendary duo, combining energetic musicianship, striking costumes and plenty of audience participation. Leading the show is Stacy Green as Annie Lennox.

Stacy has already earned recognition as the UK’s number one Annie Lennox tribute and lookalike, an honour awarded by the National Agents Association. She has also been recognised by Annie Lennox herself.

The production promises an evening of singing, dancing and classic songs that are sure to have audiences on their feet and joining in.

Yourythmics comes to the Torch Theatre on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £25 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the Box Office on 01646 695267.

 

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