THE FIRST four-nations study of broadcasting policy in a devolved UK is set to begin following the awarding of a major research grant to a Welsh expert.

Leading the study, Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University will work alongside Dr Phil Ramsey from Ulster University, Dr Inge Sorensen from the University of Glasgow, and Dr Tom Chivers from Goldsmiths, University of London.

Many policy areas, such as health and education, are the responsibility of the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

However, the legislative and ministerial powers for broadcasting remain in Westminster; held by the Secretary of State for the UK-wide Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

There is growing pressure from political parties in the devolved nations for broadcasting powers to be devolved, most recently in the Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Party manifestos for the 2024 General Election.

Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies has been awarded a £79,600 Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Curiosity Grant to conduct the research.

Professor Medhurst said: “The concept of the UK – as a unitary state, made up of four nations – is coming increasingly under pressure, and the issue of how broadcasting both reacts to and shapes these debates is a growing issue on policy, political and academic horizons.

“This two-year project will provide a unique and novel forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and cooperation on current and future broadcasting policy in an evolving UK, with a focus on the devolution of broadcasting powers to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.”

Dr Patrick Finney, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: “This research will make an important and timely contribution by helping to inform future debate and decision-making; benefitting policymakers, researchers, stakeholders and wider public understanding at a critical moment in the future of UK public service broadcasting.”

The research team will hold a workshop in each of the nations, bringing together academics, policymakers, politicians, and broadcasters to consider how broadcasting might operate in a more devolved United Kingdom.

Following each workshop, a briefing paper will be produced, drawing together the main issues discussed, together with policy recommendations.

In April 2027, a UK-wide conference will be held, where the final project report will be published.  The report will reflect on the findings of the project and will provide a strong evidence base for decision making and policymaking going forward.

WORKS to improve the appearance of a prominent Tenby hotel which overlooks both Caldey Island and St Catherine’s Island have been backed by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Martin Phillips of Clarence House Hotel, The Esplanade sought permission for to replace existing signage with “newer, less obtrusive signs,” including a change of the front signage for one incorporating the Clarence’s name and logo.

Tenby Town Council backed the proposals, saying it was a “markedly improved upgrade on the Grade-II-listed hotel, in the town’s conservation area.

An officer report recommending approval said: “There are five new signs proposed as part of this application. These will aim to replace the existing and dated signage currently present on the Clarence House Hotel.

“The Building Conservation Officer has supported the application and has stated that the designs are a clear improvement on the existing situation. The proposed signage is to replace the existing signage with a more modern design; however, this will not impact the heritage of the listed building and has a positive impact on the street scene. The designs are appropriate in terms of design, scale and positioning.

“[Policy] requires that the identity and character of the town and village is not lost. The proposed signage does not compromise the existing character of the building or the streetscape and is therefore acceptable.

“The proposal for new signage for the Clarence House Hotel will have a beneficial impact on the street scene and the conservation area of Tenby. The proposal adheres to all relevant national, regional and local legislation and policy.”

The application was approved by park planners.

PLANS to build a new slurry lagoon at a 650-dairy herd Pembrokeshire farm have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Richard Morris of Bowett Ltd sought permission for the construction of the lagoon, and associated works, at Quoits Hill Farm, Bentlass Road, Hundleton, near Pembroke.

A supporting statement through agent Cynllunio RW Planning Ltd stressed the applicant does not intend to increase livestock numbers on farm as a result of this 60 by 35 metre development.

“The Morris Family farm at Quoits Hill Farm and specialise in dairy farming. The farm is home to approximately 650 dairy cows plus followers. The herd is autumn calving with milk sold to Laprino. The home farm is grass based and extends to over 300 acres, with more off lying land utilised for growing winter forage.

“The family have invested significantly in recent years in on farm infrastructure to include a rotary milking parlour, silage clamps and covered feed yards.”

It added: “The proposed development seeks to increase the farms slurry storage capacity to above the five-month storage required by NVZ regulations. The existing slurry store and slurry handling facilities are not adequate to comply with the new regulations.”

It went on to say: “The proposed store will provide the farm with 6452 cubic meters of storage capacity (minus freeboard) which will equate to over 171 days storage.  It is proposed to use the existing field slurry store as a lightly fouled water store to collect the parlour washings and reduce the size of the store required. Slurry will continue to be scrapped into the existing yard store and then pumped to the new store when required. This work will be monitored closely to reduce the risk of any leakage.”

It concluded: “The proposed development will enable slurry to be spread during the growing season rather than during more difficult weather conditions in the winter. This will be of benefit to farm efficiency and the wider environment.”

The application was conditionally approved.