News

Grant questions multiply

Published

11 years ago

January 3, 2014

A DOCUMENT relating to the development of 29 Dimond Street by controversial “Baron of the Bedsits” Cathal McCosker has shed fresh light on the way the scheme was viewed by planning officers at Pembrokeshire County Council.

The document, dated January 8, 2013, is a decision on the planning application. Its author seeks to address concerns about the potential for anti-social behaviour at the property and also argues that giving the scheme permission would enable the Council to say it was meeting a statutory obligation to provide affordable social housing when the development did not, in fact, meet the statutory criteria for the discharge of that responsibility.

In common with all local authorities in England and Wales, Pembrokeshire has an obligation in law to provide affordable housing. The guidance provides that:

“Affordable rented housing is let by local authorities or private registered providers of social housing to households who are eligible for social rented housing. Affordable Rent is subject to rent controls that require a rent of no more than 80 per cent of the local market rent (including service charges, where applicable).”

As the property was not let by the local authority and the developer of 29 Dimond Street is not a registered provide of social housing, the property does not fall to be categorized as “affordable housing” under the terms of national planning guidance.

The document states: “Whilst HMO’s (Houses in Multiple Occupation – jargon for bedsits) do not meet the specific planning definition of affordable housing they … meet the needs of those unable to purchase or rent market housing.”

The document also deals with concerns about anti-social behaviour would result from letting 29 Dimond Street as a HMO. The report states that:

“ … the use of this property has caused concern to the Town Council, however, this appears to be the result of the anti-social behaviour of certain individuals in a nearby development.”

The report omits to mention that the nearby development referred to is another Cathal McCosker development at 10 Meyrick Street. Details of that conduct were controversially withheld from planning committee members when they came to consider a planning application in relation to that property’s use.

The 10 Meyrick Street property was the subject of a fiery meeting of the County Council’s planning committee on January 8, 2013. At that meeting a retrospective application for 14 bedsits at the former NatWest bank was turned down. On that occasion it emerged that Council officers had known of a long-standing breach of planning permission by the developer, done nothing about it and granted a licence to Mr McCosker to run that property as a HMO in breach of the Council’s own planning permission.

The following day, January 9, 2013, the same officers used their delegated powers to grant permission to the development at 29 Dimond Street without public scrutiny of the application.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.