News

Haverfordwest: Bigger Lidl store plans approved

Published

5 years ago

September 7, 2016

Bigger Lidl: A render of what the new store will look like (pic. Boyes Rees Architects)

A NEW Lidl store will be built in Haverfordwest after plans were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee.

A previous application had come to the committee in February but those plans were refused because officers were unhappy with the design.

Since that meeting, the applicant has met with the council to discuss issues and yesterday (Sep 6), a new application was brought to the committee with a recommendation of approval.

It was considered by officers that the new design was ‘significantly better’ than what had been proposed on the last occasion.

As part of the plans, the current Lidl store on Perrots Road will be demolished as will the former Blands car garage to make way for the new store.

The access into the current site will also be closed off and a new entrance will be located on Thomas Parry Way with a new pedestrian access from Perrotts Road.

However, there were concerns over a shared use path which officers felt should be extended to improve public safety and imposed this condition on the recommendation.

The agent for the application said that Lidl did not think this was needed while some councillors said that the request was excessive.

A vote to remove that condition was passed by seven votes to five.

Agent Owain Griffiths said: “Since that decision in February, we have met with the council’s officers and worked closely with them to address and overcome the concerns previously raised, resulting in a revised application.

“Officers consider it to be an attractive design which would enhance this area of Haverfordwest and the conservation area.

“Lidl is willing to gift an area of land and extend the shared use path along Perrots Road and Thomas Parry Way, thus improving accessibility to the site for cyclists.

“However, officers are now seeking to impose a condition requesting an additional section of a shared use path to be provided on the southern side of Thomas Parry Way, along the frontage of the store together with a crossing point at the store’s access.

“This was raised with us last week but in our opinion there will be no change to pedestrian or cyclist travel line to warrant this additional section of shared use path and the request is considered unreasonable.

“This represents a multi-million pound investment which will regenerate this area, it will provide up to 40 jobs, doubling the existing store’s employment role as well as construction jobs and the replacement store will benefit consumers through increased choice and competition and will not have a detrimental impact on the town centre.”

Cllr Brian Hall said: “I was delighted that the initial application was refused, this is a drastic improvement. The only thing that does concern me is the shared use path and I think it’s essential. One of the conditions is the provision of a shared use path, can we insist the developers fill this in, regardless of the cost, this is a massive investment.”

Cllr Jacob Williams said: “I don’t believe the extension of the shared use path is necessary. The site as it is currently looks like an eyesore. I feel we are imposing this condition just because we can. I don’t think this is a priority.”

Cllr Keith Lewis thanked the agent for his co-operation with the council and added: “This will improve the site significantly. This is an important element in progressing the redevelopment of Haverfordwest. I am of the view that the shared use path is an excessive requirement.

Head of Planning David Fitzsimon asked for the committee’s trust in terms of the shared use path saying they have a duty to encourage sustainable travel patterns and that this was an essential piece of safety.

However, Cllr Williams responded saying that the extra burden was not necessary and moved that the condition be removed and that was seconded by Cllr Keith Lewis and passed by seven votes to five.

The plans without the imposed condition were approved by a unanimous vote.

News

Man, 22, charged with murder of John William Bell in Cardigan

Published

5 hours ago

July 23, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

A CARDIGAN man has been charged with murder after a man’s death in Ceredigion.

John Bell, 37, and also from the town, was found on the road to Cardigan Bridge in the early hours of Wednesday.

Dyfed-Powys Police said 22-year-old Ashley Keegan, of Golwg y Castell, Cardigan, has been charged with his murder.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that Ashley Keegan, aged 22, of Golwg y Castell, Cardigan, has been charged with the murder of John William Bell.

“Keegan will appear at Swansea magistrates court on Saturday 24^th July 2021.

“John’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers and the investigation is grateful for the support of the community whilst enquiries were conducted.”

This is the second major incident in the same area this month.

Another man was charged with making threats with a knife, he is again from Golwg y Castell.

Dyfed-Powys Police said they received a number of calls reporting a man brandishing a knife towards another man in Maesyfelin, Cardigan, at around 4.20pm on Wednesday (July 14).

Several police units swiftly made their way to the area, but the suspect had fled.

Dean Thomas, aged 25, was quickly located at his home in Golwg y Castell, where he was arrested on suspicion of affray and taken to custody.

Mobile phone footage was gathered from people at the scene, and statements were taken from witnesses.

Cardigan Inspector Owen Williams said: “Thanks to the swift attendance of officers, there were a number of people present who were able to provide evidence to assist with our enquiries.
“Thomas also made a significant statement linking himself with the incident, and was charged within hours of being arrested.

“I hope the speed with which we carried out enquiries into this incident reassures people living in Maesyfelin, who were naturally very concerned by what had happened.”

Thomas was charged with threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place and appeared at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 15 where he admitted the offence.

He will be sentenced on July 29 at Swansea Crown Court.

In relation to the murder, anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101 and quoting Op Reedham. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

‘Plan ahead this summer’, says Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council

Published

14 hours ago

July 23, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

THE FOLLOWING is a message from the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr David Simpson:

Hello everyone, I hope you are well and enjoying this lovely weather.

My key message this week is about planning ahead.

This week we have experienced very hot and sunny days and beaches have been full and everyone is enjoying the outdoors.

We are experiencing a high volume of visitors to the county which can at times add additional pressures on our services.

This week, for example, we have seen high demand for car parking spaces, beach clean ups, litter picking and toilet cleaning.

Due to the high footfall please consider where you are going and what you will do when you are there. Some coastal car parks on nice sunny days are filing by mid-morning.

We all also need to be patient when out and about. We are all working together to move forward after the lockdowns, businesses still have to work differently and some are struggling with staff shortages, so please be patient.

As many of us will be staying local for our time off why not consider doing a ‘not visited yet list’.

Consider places in Pembrokeshire you have not explored but would like to – make this the year you go to those places you have always wanted to go to but not had a chance.

Our front line teams are working hard to support our communities and ensure we deliver key services. I would ask for your support to help us to keep Pembrokeshire open and welcoming to all.

I’m aware of issues reported to us regarding litter being left on beaches and grass verges. Leaving litter behind is not acceptable – we have adequate litter bins out and about. Please help us keep Pembrokeshire clean.

Another issue being reported to us is fires being lit in the countryside and beauty spots while people eat and drink in the warm weather.

It goes without saying how dangerous a fire could be given the exceptionally dry weather we have had recently.

If you are thinking about lighting a fire while you are out I would just appeal to you to please think again. The potential consequences are just not worth it.

As you will know, this week we have had an Amber weather warning for heat, so just a gentle reminder to take care when out and about and please take care of your pets.

Our furry friends need extra attention in the heat. Please do not leave dogs unattended in cars and remember the walkways will be hot on their feet.

I’d like to finish this week by thanking everyone involved in our education teams and wish them all a well-deserved summer break.

I hope all our children enjoy the summer – the weather is definitely helping!

Stay safe everyone.

News

Devastated family’s tribute to ‘loving and devoted’ son

Published

2 days ago

July 22, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

THE FAMILY of the 37-year-old man who died in Cardigan in the early hours of Wednesday morning (Jul 21) have said he will be “hugely missed by all that loved him”.

John Bell, who lived in the town, was found on the road to Cardigan Bridge at around midnight.

His family has issued this statement: “We are devastated at the loss of John.

“He was a loving and devoted Son, Brother, Father and Uncle and he will be hugely missed by all that loved him.

“We ask for privacy at this time.”

John’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.

A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

Detective Superintendent Paul Jones said: “Our thoughts go out to John’s family at this very difficult time.

“We are currently focussing our investigation in Golwg Y Castell and the road between there and Cardigan Bridge, where Mr Bell was located.

“We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen or heard an altercation in that area during the evening of Tuesday, 20 July, particularly the latter part of the evening, after 10pm, before police attended at around midnight.”

Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org. Quote reference: DP-20210720-458.