Residents call on council to rethink Brandy Brook scheme

RESIDENTS and campaigners in Newgale have raised strong objections to Pembrokeshire County Council’s proposed £40 million road scheme, which would see a new inland route cut through the Brandy Brook valley.

The Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project—led by the council in partnership with consultants AtkinsRéalis—aims to address growing concerns over the future of the A487, which runs along the flood-prone coastline. Repeated storm damage, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather have prompted officials to deem the current route unsustainable.

The proposed development includes:

• Construction of a new 2.5km inland section of the A487, including a bridge over Brandy Brook
• Creation of a traffic-free shared-use path to replace a portion of the Wales Coast Path
• Reclassification of Newgale Hill and Wood Hill with traffic management changes
• Improved bus stop facilities and turning areas for better public transport access
• A temporary access road (in place for up to ten years) to serve beachfront businesses

Campaigners from STUN (Save The Unique Newgale) have voiced strong opposition, claiming the current proposal would harm the valley’s natural landscape and wildlife. They argue that more cost-effective, sustainable alternatives have not been properly considered.

Jackie Gilderdale, a long-time visitor to Newgale, told The Herald:

“Newgale is the beach generations of my family have grown up on. Now it’s at risk—from constant flooding, new roads, and an array of huge radars. £2 million has already been spent just on consultants. This is a pivotal moment—let’s make sure it’s done right.”

The statutory pre-application consultation is now open, giving the public a chance to comment on the scheme before final plans are submitted. The deadline for responses is 11th May 2025.

How to have your say:

Email: Newgale@atkinsrealis.com
Post:
Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team
AtkinsRéalis
Floor 4, West Glamorgan House
12 Orchard Street
Swansea
SA1 5AD

Online: Visit newgalecoastaladaptation.co.uk to view the plans and submit feedback.

Printed consultation documents are also available at St Davids Library, City Hall, SA62 6SD during the following hours:

• Tuesday: 10:00am – 1:00pm and 2:00pm – 5:00pm
• Thursday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
• Saturday: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Residents are being encouraged to take part in the process and ensure their voices are heard as the future of one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic coastal communities hangs in the balance.

A WEST WALES mother’s poignant call for a permanent Pembrokeshire memorial – and sanctuary – in memory of her late daughter has been backed by county planners.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council, Emma Thomas, of Ammanford, sought permission for the extension of a forestry track to enable the planting of woodland along with a memorial pond to her late daughter Mia Haf Sahara Thomas Jones at a field off Brynheulog, near Llangolman.

A personal statement by Emma accompanying the application said: “My name is Emma Thomas, and I am setting up the Mia Sahara Sanctuary in memory of my beautiful daughter, Mia, who tragically and unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 16, on April 19, 2023.

“Mia was a very passionate young lady, and throughout her life enjoyed being in the natural environment absorbing everything it had to offer.

“As Mia’s mother, I must do something positive out of something so, so negative.

“As Mia was to inherit a property on her 18th birthday, as a family, we have decided to purchase land out of the proceeds from the sale.  The land is approximately 6.3 acres and lies on the western edge of Llangolman, Pembrokeshire.”

She added: “My aim is to develop the land by placing a wildlife pond to provide a breeding space for frogs, toads, newts and dragonflies as well as a habitat for a host of other creatures from pond skaters to water snails.  The pond will be shallow at one end and will provide areas for birds and a watering hole for hedgehogs.”

Emma said produce grown in existing polytunnels “will be given and shared amongst local charities to support the local population and hopefully a local educational establishment with healthy eating seasonal produce”.

Emma went on to say: “I worked within education before Mia’s health deteriorated at numerous educational establishments internationally.  I have a learnt understanding of the issues faced by individuals that live within Pembrokeshire as a single parent caring for a child with needs.

“There is a need for support for so many individuals and a lack of funding and resources can have detrimental consequences.

“In December 2022 Mia and I decided to set up a charity and Mia wrote her introduction to the Forum in advance.”

Mia, in her own words, explained her reasons for the charity: “I have struggled throughout my life with various of different things…  At the age of just 16, I got an official diagnosis as being Autistic. But that is why we are here to help each other and to thrive with each other with that help/support!  I have also struggled with making/maintaining friendships and hopefully with setting up this forum I could make new friends!

“Also make changes for the better.  Use this charity for a network of people as a safety net to help and inform each other with information that you and others may need…”.

Emma concluded: “I envisage the Mia Sahara Sanctuary to be a place where nature will flourish with new life.  I will meet with representatives from the community and local groups to determine what produce would best support their service users with the aim of working collaboratively for the benefit of the local people.

“Mia is no longer here physically however my love for her fuels me to plan the Mia Sahara Sanctuary and to create something that will benefit future generations within Pembrokeshire, and I have the determination and passion, with your support, to make this a reality.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

ST DAVIDS RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched at 5:50pm on Easter Monday (April 21) following reports of a dog that had fallen from the cliffs at Caerfai Bay.

The volunteer crew responded swiftly and located the dog in the sea. Sadly, it had died by the time they arrived. The lifeboat crew recovered the animal and brought it ashore, reuniting it with its owners at Caerfai beach, who were supported by HM Coastguard – St Davids.

The inshore lifeboat, Marian and Alan Clayton, returned to station at 7:00pm and was refuelled and ready for service again by 7:10pm.