A CALL for two gypsy traveller pitches at a small agricultural holding to allow a family to move from an existing site “suffering from cold, damp conditions” have been submitted to Pembrokeshire planners

Anthony Thomas and family, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, seek permission for two traveller family pitches with two static caravans, a day/utility room, two touring caravans, along with improvements to the existing access and ecological enhancements at Made of More Yard, Simpson Hill, Simpson Cross.

The use of the site on land owned by the applicant started in June 2025.

A supporting statement says there is a “genuine need for an appropriate alternative site to accommodate his immediate family (parents in one pitch and wife, himself and two children in the other) in a safe and tranquil environment,” adding: “The applicant’s lifestyle falls within the definition of gypsies,” with members of the community having a predilection “for small self-development family-oriented pitches, in areas close to settlements with good accessibility to services such as schools and community facilities, rather than larger municipal run facilities for a variety of historical reasons”.

It adds: “There are currently no public or private sites available within the county and are unlikely to be brought forward in the foreseeable future to meet the expanding needs of the applicant or the Gypsy and Traveller community.”

It goes on to say there are potential health concerns with the applicants’ current site: “The existing family pitches are in poor condition suffering from cold, damp conditions, particularly during the winter months and both the applicant and his wife are fed up scrubbing the walls with bleach once a week in an attempt to control the mould.”

It concludes: “It is not considered this small-scale development for one family pitch for two static units in this location will cause any significant harm considering the more permissive approach provided [by planning advice and guidance] is a material consideration that weighs in favour of the development.

“It is considered the personal circumstances of the applicant and family has identified a genuine need for the accommodation, the lack of alternative sites within the county as a whole, the site’s sustainable location and low level of traffic generation are material considerations if favour of the proposal that, on balance, outweigh all other matters.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

PLANNERS are to visit the site of a proposed north Pembrokeshire ‘battery box’ unit to provide electricity storage during off-peak times, which has seen local objections including fears of a potential risk to nearby school children.

In an application recommended for approval at the November meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, AMP Clean Energy sought permission for a micro energy storage project on land at Fishguard Leisure Centre Car Park, near Ysgol Bro Gwaun.

This scheme is one of a number of similar applications by AMP, either registered or approved under delegated planning powers by officers.

AMP Clean Energy was recently granted permission for micro energy storage projects in Pembroke Dock, Pembroke, and land to the south of Withybush Industrial Estate, Haverfordwest; works on the latter having recently started.

A supporting statement accompanying each application says the battery boxes import electricity from the local electricity network when demand for electricity is low or when there are high levels of renewable energy available, exporting it back during periods of high demand to help address grid reliability issues prompted by an increase of intermittent (wind and solar) generation, with each giving the potential to power 200 homes for four hours.

The Fishguard scheme, which has seen objections from the town council and members of the public, was before committee at the request of the local member, Cllr Pat Davies.

Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council objected to the proposal on grounds including visual impact, and the location being near the school.

An officer report said the scheme would be well screened by a Paladin Fence, with a need to be sited close to an existing substation.

Speaking at the meeting, Shirley Devonald, on behalf of her elderly parents who live nearby, said raised concerns about the visual impact of the scheme, along with fears of a potential fire risk from the batteries, with Fishguard Town Council’s Cllr Jim Morgan raising concerns including the “nightmare scenario” of a fire as children were leaving the school.

Cllr Pat Davies, who had made the request for committee decision, suggested there were better “industrial” locations for the scheme, saying: “There are real safeguarding issues here, I strongly oppose this application, I just can’t understand why this location has been chosen.”

Cllr Davies stressed she was not against the technology, just the location and the potential risk to pupils.

Calls for a site visit, later formally moved by Cllr Brian Hall, were made, but Cllr Tony Wilcox said he would call for its refusal, purely on location, with Cllr Alan Dennison raising similar concerns.

Members backed a site visit by nine votes to four; the application returning to a future meeting.

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN BAND and the Paul Sartori Community Choir joined forces on Friday evening (Nov 7) for a moving Remembrance Concert at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church.

The event, supported by Milford Haven Town Council, drew a large and appreciative audience to the historic church for an evening of reflection, music and community spirit.

The Town Band performed a stirring programme of traditional and contemporary pieces, with the Paul Sartori Community Choir adding powerful harmonies and heartfelt performances that filled the church with emotion. Audience members joined in with wartime favourites and hymns, creating a true sense of remembrance and unity.

Following the concert, a short service of remembrance and a minute’s silence were held inside the church, with the Royal British Legion Club – Milford Haven’s Standard paraded to mark the solemn occasion.

Those in attendance praised the dedication and talent of both ensembles, describing the evening as “wonderful” and “deeply moving.”

The Town Band and choir were congratulated for their professionalism and community contribution, and both groups said they were proud to have taken part in honouring those who gave their lives in service.

We will remember them.

(Pic: Milford Haven Town Council / Facebook)