News

Fishguard Marina plans a step closer

Published

8 years ago

June 7, 2016

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Planning and Rights of Way Committee has given its consent to the removal and variation of a number of conditions to allow for a phased development to take place at Fishguard Harbour.

The development at the Harbour would include a marina, residential apartments and retail facilities.

The decision made by Council on Tuesday (May 17), allows for a phased approach of reserved matters and would not result in the loss of planning control.

Cllr Brian Hall said that the development would be a massive asset to Fishguard.

Mr Andrew Patterson said: “The Focus of our written submissions related to Condition 6 for the Phasing Plan and our belief that the detailed Phasing Plan should be submitted and made accessible to the public before any other variation of the conditions was considered.

“Condition 6 had not been included within the application itself – which caused us some disquiet. However, the Director of Development’s report to this Committee outlines the mechanism to be put in place for Condition 6, and the related conditions and we welcome these assurances, and request that they will be clearly stated in any planning approval given.

“We fully endorse the recommendation made in Para 6.11 to the effect that a separate discharge of conditions application for Condition 6 should be submitted to the Local Planning Authority, and we request that it will be consulted in a way similar to the current application.

“Assuming that in principal approval is given to this current application, the assurance that the submission of the Phasing Plan will be the first submission to be made by the applicant against this new planning approval is welcomed.

“However, we are still concerned about certain wording within this current application in relation to overall infrastructure issues.

“The original approval given in 2014 is very unusual. It essentially gave permission for the creation of two new pieces of land – one with outline schemes presented for residential development, and a marina and boat yard; and the second – the Development Platform – whose use will be determined by a future application.

“However the major infrastructure issues such as access onto The Parrog, and for foul water disposal, will be common to both platforms.

“The suggestion in the proposed amendments is that the details for each Phase affecting the first piece of new land, will be developed in accordance with the timetable set out within the Phasing Plan.

“It is therefore essential that access on to the Parrog and other major infrastructure issues are identified within the Phasing Plan as the first of the conditions that needs to be discharged.

“If this is not done, there will be a risk of further civil engineering cost and disruption at some time in the future.

“In relation to civil engineering, we believe that is essential that the discharge of both Condition 13 (Construction Traffic Management Plan)(CTMP) and Condition 15 (Construction Environmental Management Plan)(CEMP) are identified within the Phasing Plan in parallel with the access and infrastructure conditions.

“We believe that the Phasing Plan should include a detailed time-tabled Programme, highlighting the key breakpoints in the delivery, so that progress can be monitored, and also so that critical path decision points can be identified.

“We therefore request a revision to the wording of Condition 6 to ensure that the Phasing Plan includes considerations for both platforms of the full access, and infrastructure considerations, and also the CTMP and the CEMP.

“Once this Phasing Plan and programme has been determined there will be greater transparency of the whole development and its consequences.

“Finally, we believe that the development is reaching a stage when closer engagement and consultation with a group representing local resident and business interests would be useful, and would lead to more informed and productive discussion of the evolving plans.”

Cllr Myles Pepper said: “This is such a large scale and very sensitive application and the director has removed it from the scheme of delegation in light of the sensitive issues raised by the developer.

“This allows for phased submissions and this would not create any loss of planning control and this was a fear that had been expressed locally that things were being done which they had no control over.

“I’m also encouraged by comments from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council who have no adverse comments.

“The Town Council, and I quote from the report, wishes you to know that they believe there is no danger to the community with regards to the variances and therefore, they have no adverse comments to make with regards to the application as a whole.”

Cllr Pat Davies said: “I have no hesitation in approving these recommendations. This has been a long time coming and there has been huge public consultation. My community welcome this marina.”

Cllr Keith Lewis added that they needed to put a message out to the developer to get them to start the project as soon as possible because the marina was very important to the north of the county.

The application was unanimously approved by councillors.

News

Young Changemakers Drive Wales Toward a Net Zero Future

Published

21 mins ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AS world leaders gathered at COP29 to address global climate challenges, young people in Wales were making their own mark on the path to a greener future. The Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon, held last Friday, showcased the ingenuity, passion, and practical solutions of 26 young finalists from across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

This flagship event, hosted by Pembrokeshire-based education enterprise Cymbrogi Futures, is part of a year-long programme empowering young learners with the skills and confidence to tackle climate challenges head-on.

THE WINNING IDEA: FAIR FASHION

The team from Queen Elizabeth High School, Carmarthenshire, stole the show with their innovative project addressing fast fashion waste. Their idea? Personalised soft toys crafted from discarded fabric destined for landfill. By engaging with local businesses and charity shops, the team not only demonstrated creativity but also gained practical insights into the environmental impact of textile waste.

Nia John, lead teacher for the team, shared: “This project allowed us to incorporate real-world learning into the classroom. Pupils were thrilled to interact with industry experts, growing their ideas through meaningful collaboration.”

Ariana, the team leader, reflected: “I enjoyed learning skills like collaboration and creativity, which will help me in the future. This experience has inspired me to start our school’s Climate Action group.”

OTHER FINALISTS: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Equally impressive was Milford Haven School’s ‘Cafe Cleddau’, a visionary concept featuring a solar-powered boat to connect communities along the Haven waterway. With sustainable snacks, a soft-play area, and hydro-powered backup systems, the idea aimed to revolutionise tourism and nightlife in the region.

All finalist teams received vouchers for the ethical online store Social Supermarket, while the winning team took home a £300 cash prize to fund biodiversity projects at their school.

BUILDING A NET ZERO FUTURE

Cymbrogi’s founder, Liza Lort-Phillips, underlined the importance of initiatives like Tomorrow’s Changemakers:
“Today’s learners will face far greater challenges in a climate-changed world than any of us. By sparking their imaginations now, we can equip them to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

The programme was supported by major partners, including the Port of Milford Haven and Cwm Environmental, who provided real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities in Wales’ green economy.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, remarked: “This initiative is vital. Empowering the next generation with green skills and confidence ensures they are ready to lead the charge toward a net-zero future.”

A COMMUNITY-ROOTED CHALLENGE

The hackathon is the culmination of a three-stage learning journey inspired by the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the UN Global Goals. The programme began with an online course introducing topics such as the circular economy and systems thinking, followed by mini-challenges rooted in real-world scenarios in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Learners explored diverse challenges, including:

Sustainable Tourism: Imagining a car-free holiday in Milford Haven.
Energy: Exploring renewable solutions for rural Wales.
Fashion: Tackling fast fashion waste.

The finalists worked with industry experts, visiting sites such as the Port of Milford Haven and Cwm Environmental to gain hands-on experience.

A CALL TO ACTION

Samuel Kurtz, MS for South Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, praised the event:
“The curiosity and ingenuity of these students are truly inspiring. Their ambition shows they are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. Initiatives like this are essential for building a resilient and sustainable future.”

Cymbrogi Futures hopes to expand the programme to schools across Wales, with plans to reach Wrexham and Neath Port Talbot in 2025.

As Wales leads the charge toward a net-zero future, the Tomorrow’s Changemakers programme reminds us that the solutions of tomorrow lie in the hands of today’s young minds.

Pictured above: Young innovators: Queen Elizabeth High students celebrate their Fair Fashion project victory (Pic: MHPA).

Community

Port supports Cruising Free’s Atlantic Dash with donation of safety equipment

Published

33 mins ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced a donation of vital safety equipment to support local group Cruising Free, who will be embarking on a challenging 3,200-mile rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The crew of Cruising Free will row from Lanzarote to Antigua to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Port of Milford Haven’s donation includes a comprehensive range of safety gear designed to support the crew’s journey and ensure their safety during this extraordinary expedition. Items provided include:

Flare Kit
Satellite Phone
VHF Radios
First Aid Kits
GPS Equipment
Lights
Safety Lines
And more

The Port of Milford Haven, the UK’s leading energy Port, is committed to supporting local maritime initiatives. This donation is a key part of the Port’s ongoing efforts to promote safety in all aspects of maritime activity, particularly for adventurous projects like Atlantic Dash.

“We are proud to support the amazing crew of Cruising Free as they undertake this monumental challenge,” said Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven. “Safety is paramount for anyone taking to the sea, and we hope that the equipment we’ve provided will support them as they navigate the Atlantic. Their journey will not only raise vital funds for two incredibly worthwhile causes but also inspire people across the UK and beyond. We are excited to be part of their journey and wish them the very best of luck.”

The Atlantic Dash will see the team of experienced rowers tackle the gruelling transatlantic journey, which is expected to take several weeks. The funds raised by Cruising Free will directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which supports research and care for people living with cystic fibrosis, and the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which provides specialist palliative care services to individuals in West Wales.

“We are truly and eternally grateful to Port of Milford Haven who have provided us with the essential safety equipment needed to embark on our 3,200 mile journey from Lanzarote to Antigua. We are hoping not to need to use the flares or safety lines, but the satellite phone and VHF radio will keep us connected with land and loved-ones through the entire 2-month journey. Thank you!” said Polly Zipperlen, team member of Cruising Free.

Cruising Free’s row across the Atlantic will begin in January 2025, and the crew’s journey will be tracked in real time to allow supporters to follow their progress. The team is already actively fundraising and plans to hold several community events in the lead-up to their departure.

To learn more about Cruising Free’s Atlantic Row and how you can support their cause, visit their Linktree here.

News

A48 closed in both directions following two crashes near Cross Hands

Published

38 mins ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE A48 near Cross Hands remains closed in both directions after two separate crashes on Thursday evening (Nov 14).

Drivers are being urged to avoid the area as congestion continues to build.

The eastbound closure stretches from the A476 Llandeilo Road (Cross Hands Roundabout) to Heol-Y-Deri (Cwmgwili Junction).

Meanwhile, the westbound section is closed between the M4 at Pont Abraham Roundabout and the A476 at Cross Hands.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed its attendance at the scene, noting that one of the crashes involved a single vehicle. Emergency services are currently working to clear the area.

Congestion has been reported on surrounding routes, including the A483 towards the Pont Abraham Interchange, the M4 leading to the interchange, and the A476 towards Cross Hands Roundabout.

At 9:50pm, the A48 was still closed in both directions. Earlier reports at 7:03pm confirmed the eastbound closure was due to a single-vehicle collision. Google Maps highlighted heavy traffic on nearby roads as drivers sought alternative routes.

By 9:30pm, traffic on surrounding roads had eased slightly, but delays persist as the main route remains inaccessible.