News

Badger sett halts developer’s vehicles

Published

8 years ago

August 19, 2016

Disturbed: Badger sett

BUILDING work at a controversial housing development in St Florence has been curtailed following the discovery that developers had broken the law protecting badger setts.

The original development of land at Woodlands Close, St Florence, was narrowly approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, on the casting vote of then Planning Chair, Myles Pepper. The permission for building houses was granted despite the area for development being outside the local development plan (LDP) and in what amounted to open countryside.

A subsequent planning application granted permission for further properties to be built on the same site. Significant local opposition was ignored by County Hall planners, who approved the plans for further building works.

At the time the plans were approved in July 2015, one councillor, East Williamston’s Jacob Williams, said that there was a need for the sort of affordable housing that would be provided as part of the development.

Local member Phil Kidney strongly objected to the plans and was appalled by the absence of adequate local consultation, while Pennar councillor Tony Wilcox described the site visit as ‘bordering on farce’, as members of the Planning Committee were not able to view the whole site.

However, reserved matters were brought back to committee in April this year and further approvals granted for further properties to be built on the same site; bearing out the previous strong reservations of now Council Chair and then Planning Committee member, Tony Brinsden.

The current issue has arisen due to contractors widening a public footpath to permit vehicular access and the consequent disturbance of a large badger sett.

Castle Lane is a footpath and not accessible for vehicles. Along it, there is a main badger sett which starts in the right hand side of the hedge and goes into the land at the rear of Woodlands Close.

When building work first commenced for the first phase of Woodlands Close, the builders/ developers were made aware of this sett by the RSPCA as the building work was very close to one of the entrances.

The sett has eight entrances and is very active.

Badgers are a protected species, and to interfere or disturb a badger sett is a criminal offence.

As the second phase of construction has progressed, work has inched closer to the sett.

Large vehicles have used the footpath, while hedges were cut right back.

The Highways Act 1980, Section 72, provides that permission is necessary from the local authority to widen a footpath.

Despite the absence of any permission, or even an application for permission from the development company, Uzmaston Developments, large machinery was using the footpath in order to access the rear of Woodlands Close and digging had commenced.

The Badger Trust and RSPCA were alerted to the concern and visited the site on July 28, when the digging was stopped by the RSPCA.

The sett was found to have been encroached on all sides within about a metre, and damage had been done to the sett.

Critically, no environmental impact survey was done before planning was granted and a concerned resident told us that their understanding was that there was no explanation either why that step had not been taken.

The Herald understands that the Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer has been informed.

The footpath is currently being used as an access for a property already completed, even though no permission has been provided to permit such a step.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.