News

Project viability remains marginal

Published

9 years ago

November 4, 2016

THE PREFERRED developer of the old Narberth School site has said that the viability of the project remains marginal, councillors heard at a meeting of council on Thursday, October 20.

That was the response to a question from Cllr Jacob Williams, who asked if the developer had requested further funding to help with the project.

A loan offer has been made by the council, but the council have not yet received a formal request for further funding.

The developer has a cut-off date of December 31 to start the work, but Council Leader Jamie Adams said the contract would be withdrawn and re-marketed should work not begin by that date.

Cllr Jacob Williams asked: “Please would the Leader provide an update on the latest with regard to the proposed redevelopment of the Authority’s former Narberth school site, and his Cabinet’s decision to slash the sale price and offer a substantial loan to the developers?

“If the loan offer has been accepted, what actions are the council aware of that the developers have taken to meet any terms and conditions of the loan?”

Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “Cabinet reviewed the position r egarding the former Narberth School site at its meeting on July 4, giving consideration to the reduced viability of the scheme and an independent valuation provided by the Valuation Office Agency.

“This resulted in a number of decisions: first, to continue to work with the preferred developer with a cut-off date of the end of December if the development has not commenced.

“Second, to reduce the price in-keeping with the independent valuation from the Valuation Office Agency.

“Third, to make a loan available to the developer and fourth, to consider the demolition of the buildings to create a temporary car park.

“Following a call in of this decision, it was considered by the former Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee on July 18 and returned to Cabinet on September 12.

“Since the Cabinet decision on September 12, negotiations have continued with the preferred developer with respect in particular to the tenant line-up and the identity of the anchor tenant, considerable work has been undertaken by officers to provide supporting information to help make the scheme, and particularly the location in Narberth, more attractive to prospective tenants.

“The developer is in detailed negotiations with prospective tenants and has agreed heads of terms issued to others. As yet, detailed discussions have not commenced regarding the terms of any loan so no loan has been agreed or implemented and Cabinet has approved that we continue to work with the preferred developer until the cut-off date of December 31.

“If the development does not materially commence by this date, the contract will be withdrawn and the opportunity will be re-marketed.”

Cllr Jacob Williams responded: “Will the Leader confirm that no further financial support has been requested from or offered by this council in any way related to this project and, if he can’t, please could he tell us about it, and will he also give a commitment that no further taxpayers money will be stumped up by this council on this project by way of a loan, gift or any other arrangement?”

Dr Stephen Jones answered: “There are ongoing discussions with the preferred developer and, in our discussions, they have indicated that the viability of the project remains marginal and is therefore exploring a range of opportunities and options in addition to the loan to bring forward the scheme.

“We haven’t had a formal request for any further funding as yet.”

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Williams said: “I called the decision in back in July and my view was that the council, rather than agreeing to make a loan, should put the land back on the open market and invite bids and award it to the best.

“I would be appalled if they made a bigger loan or reduced the sale price further.

“It looks unlikely that this company will make a go of it and it will go back out onto the open market, which is what I suggested in July. If they had listened to what I had said, they could have started by now.”

Crime

Drug and weapon charges after Pembroke Dock arrest

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Court Reporter

Man remanded in custody following Diamond Street vehicle search

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing at Swansea Crown Court charged with drug, weapon and driving offences following an arrest in Pembroke Dock.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers from Pembrokeshire Roads Policing and response teams searched a vehicle on Diamond Street on Saturday (Apr 4).

Following the search, Zamurd Hussain, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Hussain was later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Apr 6), where he was remanded in custody.

His next court appearance is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court at 9:00am on May 8.

Crime

Woman fights order taking four dogs from her

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Swansea Crown Court hears appeal after long-running barking dispute in Trefin

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has told Swansea Crown Court that complaints about her dogs are unfair as she appeals against the sentence imposed on her by magistrates, including the order that led to four of her dogs being taken from her.

Julia Goodgame appeared before His Honour Judge Simon Hughes on Friday (Apr 10) in the latest stage of a long-running case arising from complaints by residents in Trefin about persistent dog barking.

The appeal follows a ruling by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in December, when Goodgame, of Bryn Y Derwydd, admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Magistrates ordered the immediate forfeiture and seizure of four Border Collies, which Goodgame said were the only dogs in her possession.

The court heard on Friday that residents had complained of constant barking, with only short breaks of around 30 minutes, sometimes continuing until 10:00pm.

The dogs have reportedly remained in kennels since December while the appeal is dealt with.

Goodgame told the court: “My dogs are exceptionally well behaved.”

She also raised concerns about the conditions the animals are being kept in, saying the kennels were exposed to the weather and did not provide a suitable environment.

Goodgame said she had attended conflict resolution classes and had tried her best to resolve the issues raised by neighbours, but said she could not understand why the dogs had not been returned.

The original case followed months of complaints from residents in Trefin about dog noise and control. In addition to the forfeiture order, magistrates imposed a fine, costs and a Criminal Behaviour Order.

The case continues.

News

Plaid Cymru commits to review 182-day rule

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUPPORTING local tourism businesses is key, Plaid Cymru said as it launched its manifesto and confirmed it would review the 182-day threshold for holiday accommodation in Wales.

The party said it would also introduce clear and reasonable national exemptions in cases where accommodation should not be treated as a private home.

Plaid Cymru says many holiday-let business owners in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are struggling to meet the 182-day threshold each year due to factors beyond their control, including poor weather, and that this is having a serious impact on both their businesses and their wellbeing.

Under the party’s proposals, national exemptions would be introduced to ensure genuine holiday-let operators are treated fairly and given the support needed to help their businesses succeed.

Kerry Ferguson, Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said: “As a business owner myself, I know how much financial pressure small businesses are under at the moment and the toll that can take on owners, their friends and families.

“We have heard directly from many furnished holiday-let owners in both Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire that lowering the 182-day threshold for overnight stays would make a huge difference to their businesses.

“I am pleased that Plaid Cymru has committed to reviewing the 182-day rule for non-domestic rates in Wales and to introducing national exemptions to help genuine businesses that are unfairly affected by the rule, while excluding self-catering accommodation that cannot be used on the open housing market.”