News
Milford Haven: Marina plans set for approval
PLANS to develop Milford Waterfront are expected to be given the go-ahead from Pembrokeshire County Council on Tuesday (Jun 26).
It has been recommended to the planning committee to approve the multi-million pound proposal by the Port of Milford Haven. After a revised plan, approval is set to be given, subject to many conditions regarding planning agreements, notably Section 106.
The development was granted outline planning back in 2015, based around retail and accommodation. A new Costa Coffee Drive Through will modernise the current entrance to Milford Waterfront, with the aim of becoming a convenient coffee stop for visitors travelling through and locals alike. Floatel Cabins will provide new residence to Milford Marina this year. The four individual Floatel Cabins will offer en-suite, hotel room style accommodation, all year round.
Subject to planning permission, the Port aim to build an eco-friendly restaurant and function room, hovering above the water at the north end of the development.
With more water sport and heritage events being attracted to Milford Waterfront each year, they also intend to build a new 65 bedroom, mid-market hotel close to the restaurant.
Later during future phases, the Port also hope to develop a 150 bed, 4-star hotel with apartments and dual frontages overlooking the Milford Haven Waterway and Milford Marina.
The Port of Milford Haven believes that the £70million project will create around 600 full-time jobs.
The revision to the plans boosted the number of residential properties up to 190 units, with increased office space, a large indoor leisure facility and the potential for 70 additional marina berths.
The prior proposal included a care home, but those plans were dismissed in favour of another hotel, whilst restaurant space has diminished by 63%. The previous proposal’s entrance would have resulted in the Grade II-listed Old Docks building facing demolition, but that has now been changed.
Neil Jenkins, Development Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said at the time of the amended plans’ submission: “We have worked hard on fine-tuning the plans over the past couple of years to ensure they are in line with market trends and are confident that we’re now in a position to deliver a fantastic development in a unique waterfront setting which will provide huge economic benefits to the Pembrokeshire and Welsh economies.”
He added: “Work has already started on site for a new Costa Coffee Drive-Thru at Milford Waterfront, a new visitor centre has been opened within the museum and later this year we’ll be launching a new holiday let overlooking the Haven as well as four Floatel Cabins in the marina with terraces overlooking the water. It’s an exciting time for the area and we look forward to receiving feedback from the local authority.”
The Milford Waterfront development is set to create over 700 jobs during the construction and operational phases and result in an additional £9 million in visitor spending.
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
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
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.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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