AN APPLICATION to change the use of an empty Pembrokeshire town centre shop to a health and fitness facility has been approved by county planners, who praised local investors “thinking outside the box”.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County council’s March planning committee meeting, Darren and Samantha Winn, of Inner Tiger Fitness, sought permission for the change of use of the former Original Factory Shop, 58-66, Charles Street, Milford Haven to a health and fitness facility with a retail/cafe element.

The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) opened its doors at the large two-storey Charles Street building in in June 2010, in the building that was originally occupied by Woolworths, closing early last year.

A report for committee members said: “The ground floor facing Charles Street is occupied by a large retail unit, with an extensive shop window, selling a range of comparison goods such as clothing and kitchenware.  On the intermediate ground floor and lower ground floor levels are storage areas, staff offices and an external loading area.”

It said the scheme – supported by Milford Haven Town Council – would create two full-time posts and four part-time posts; the facilities operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Four objections to the proposal were raised covering the vitality and viability of the town centre, parking noise and disturbance, and waste services.

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Darren Winn said: “What we’re proposing isn’t just a gym, a health and wellbeing centre open to all walks of life, not just your typical gym-goer,” adding the ‘café’ element would take the form of a ‘protein bar’ rather than a traditional café, describing it as “a social space for people after they’ve worked out, a place to hang out afterwards, increasing your mental health as well as physical health.”

Committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock moved the recommendation of approval be adopted, saying: “I think this is a very well worked application; town centres are going to have to have much more multifunctional use.”

Cllr Mark Carter said there was a need for town centres to “think outside the box” in the days of town centre retail trade suffering through “the likes of Amazon,” adding: “The operation that was there before, if they can’t sort of make things happen it’s down to local investors to make things happen.”

Members unanimously supported the application.

Activists launch Westminster lobbying drive amid growing cross-party concern

CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a proposed US-linked radar installation in Pembrokeshire have stepped up their efforts by launching a UK-wide lobbying campaign targeting all 650 Members of Parliament.

The group PARC Against DARC, which is leading opposition to the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project at the former RAF Brawdy base, has begun hand-delivering information packs and personalised letters to every MP at Westminster. The move is intended to raise awareness of the project’s potential impact and encourage political support for its cancellation.

The campaign is also calling on local MP Henry Tufnell to clarify his position on the radar proposal, which they describe as “deeply unpopular and destabilising.”

Early Day Motion calls for withdrawal

The Westminster push follows the tabling of an Early Day Motion (EDM) by Liz Saville Roberts MP, Plaid Cymru’s defence spokesperson, on Tuesday (Mar 19). The motion, titled “975 DARC in Wales,” raises concerns about the visual and ecological impact of the proposed radar array, potential health risks from radiofrequency emissions, and its implications for international law under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

The EDM also warns of the potential for increased space debris and the militarisation of space, concluding with a call for the UK Government to withdraw the planning application for the site in Pembrokeshire—or any alternative location in the UK.

The Herald understands that the motion has gained swift cross-party support, including from Green MP Siân Berry, Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Helen Maguire, and Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn.

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “At a time when the United States is becoming a less reliable defence partner, we must question whether we want to further entangle Wales in US foreign policy through DARC and the AUKUS Treaty. The Ministry of Defence must also address local residents’ concerns regarding high levels of radiofrequency signals.”

Calls for local representation

Campaigners say that, despite repeated outreach, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has not made any public comment on the DARC proposal. A spokesperson for PARC Against DARC said: “We, and many members of the public, have contacted Henry Tufnell MP on numerous occasions. We invited him to table this EDM and have not even received a reply.

“There is a growing sense of a political vacuum in West Wales, where our elected representatives are simply refusing to speak out on hugely important issues.”

The group accuses both Labour and Conservative MPs of avoiding the issue, alleging pressure from party leadership in Westminster. Mr Tufnell was approached for comment.

Broader political and public support

A similar Statement of Opinion has already been tabled in the Senedd by Cefin Campbell MS, attracting support from nearly a third of Members, including Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Liberal Democrats.

Supporters of the campaign argue that the installation of 27 radar dishes on the St Davids peninsula—an area known for its scenic beauty and tourism industry—would cause irreparable damage to the landscape and place Pembrokeshire at the centre of future global military conflicts.

They also claim that the proposed system would support military priorities under the AUKUS treaty and a possible second Trump administration, giving the United States greater control over space-based assets.

Concerns have also been raised about the long-term implications for UK foreign policy, national security, and the future role of Wales in international defence infrastructure. Campaigners say that hosting such a major facility could compromise the UK’s commitment to peaceful space exploration and weaken local democratic oversight.

Momentum continues to build

PARC Against DARC says public engagement has reached unprecedented levels, with over 17,000 people signing a petition and more than 40,000 leaflets distributed locally. The group has also been featured in over 100 media articles and held several well-attended public meetings.

A spokesperson for the group said: “With support growing across party lines both in Cardiff Bay and Westminster, the momentum is now unstoppable. We are urging everyone concerned about this project to contact their MPs and MSs. This campaign is not just about Pembrokeshire—it’s about the future of our country’s landscape, safety and sovereignty.”

Campaigners also point to historical precedent. A similar US radar proposal in the 1990s for the same site was ultimately abandoned after facing significant public and political opposition. Local activists believe that the same result can be achieved again, provided pressure continues to mount on decision-makers at every level of government.

The campaign encourages members of the public to visit their website and use a lobbying tool to write to their elected representatives.

Community Schools Plus plan unveiled at spring conference

PLAID CYMRU has said that educational attainment in Wales “must be solved” following what it described as “26 years of neglect and mismanagement by Labour.”

The comments were made by Cefin Campbell MS, the party’s education spokesperson, during a speech at Plaid Cymru’s spring conference in Llandudno on Saturday (Mar 22).

Mr Campbell said that the current state of the education system required “bold and urgent action,” highlighting the need for a new university funding model, stronger Welsh-medium education plans, and investment to address a £500 million school maintenance backlog.

Freedom of Information requests by Plaid Cymru suggest that councils across Wales face at least a £543 million bill to bring school buildings up to standard.

Mr Campbell said the current model of “Community Schools” introduced by the Welsh Government did not go far enough and called for a new approach that includes on-site mental health and counselling services to help improve behaviour and attendance.

He told delegates: “Whether it’s tackling disruptive behaviour, high levels of absenteeism, or improving ALN and mental health provision, providing wraparound support will enable learners to reach their full potential, no matter what the challenges they face.

“That is why we want to build on the Welsh Government’s current Community School model. While it has good intentions, it does not go far enough.

“In creating a Community School ‘Plus’ model, we hope to bring support staff, services and relevant organisations together to improve support and outcomes for our young people.”

Estyn’s most recent annual report found significant issues facing schools in Wales, including low standards in literacy and numeracy, weaknesses in assessment, and difficulty in recruiting education staff.

International PISA results have also shown a decline in attainment, with Wales scoring lower than the rest of the UK in mathematics, reading and science.

Plaid Cymru said it would continue to push for urgent reforms in the run-up to the 2026 Senedd election.

Cover photo:

Cefin Campbell MS addresses the Plaid Cymru spring conference in Llandudno on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)