A SCHEME to convert a former carpenter’s workshop in a Pembrokeshire town to a unit for patrolling police officers has been approved by county planners despite objections from the local council.

The Dyfed-Powys Police application to Pembrokeshire County Council sought permission for the change of use at Unit 3, Feidr Castell, Fishguard.

A supporting statement by agents Asbri Planning Ltd said the unit would be used by local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

It added: “The unit was formerly used by a carpenter, however, due to the unit now being vacant Dyfed-Powys Police, as part of their ongoing efforts to create comfortable working spaces for PCSOs, have declared a strong interest in purchasing the property to create a base/hub for patrolling officers.”

It concluded: “The change of use of the building would allow Dyfed-Powys Police to provide a base for their PCSOs in the area. The external alterations are limited to a new door along the western elevation and the only other changes that would be required are internal alterations which fall under permitted development rights.

“The approval of the application would allow a vacant unit to be utilised and would assist Dyfed-Powys Police in providing a safe environment for their staff.”

However, Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council has objected to the application, saying: “The change of use would result in the loss of a potential business amenity. It is not an appropriate location for a policing facility. A policing facility should be located in the town centre as a community facility.”

A planning officer report recommending approval said: “Whilst the proposal would result in the loss of B1 (business) premises, it would result in the occupation of a formerly vacant premises and allow for a new police unit which will be used by PCSOs. [Policy] supports development opportunities in hub towns, to encourage sustainable communities and a thriving economy.

“The proposed police station use would have a neutral economic impact in terms of providing employment within a hub town. Positive social benefits would be derived from retaining the police station within the hub town and allow for further allocated room for PCSOs.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Dyfed-Powys Police recently submitted an application for a change of use of the former Public Information Centre, Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock to a police station.

In that application, it said its current station in the town’s Water Street is “no longer fit for purpose,” with the force declaring a strong interest in purchasing the Argyle Street property “to enable a more efficient building to house their new model hub for policing”.

That application, recommended for approval, was heard at the council’s March planning meeting where it was deferred for members to visit the site.

Objectors to that scheme have said the proposal would have “a significant impact on working families and children,” with emergency vehicles potentially leaving at high speed from the busy road.

The Pembroke Dock application will return to a future planning meeting.

A further police station move in the county is on the cards after Dyfed-Powys Police recently announced it would sell its station in Jesse Road, Narberth and relocate to a new base with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services (MAWWFRS) in nearby Spring Gardens.

Reacting to that announcement, Narberth Town Council said it only heard about the sale through a press release shared by news outlets.

A SCHEME for 17 affordable homes on the site of a Pembrokeshire seaside village football pitch has been approved by national park planners.

In an application recommended for conditional approval at the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, housing group Ateb – in partnership with Solva Community Land Trust – sought permission for the two-stage development on land adjacent to Bro Dawel, Solva.

The hybrid application sought full planning for the first stage: 17 social-rented dwellings, the reinstatement of a junior football pitch and associated works, along with outline planning permission for a second phase of a residential development of 11 dwellings.

An officer report for members said: “The application process has been lengthy, namely due to concerns surrounding design and the uncertainty surrounding the capacity of the Solva wastewater treatment works (WwTW).

“The design is overall acceptable and in coming to a recommendation authority officers have given considerable weight to the contribution the scheme will make in addressing local housing need. The Authority expects the scheme to achieve a high-quality appearance and appropriate planning conditions should realise this requirement.”

It added: “The scheme will lead to the loss of 2-3 junior football pitches however one pitch will be reinstated as part of the proposal with the addition of a storage facility.  The standard, design and construction of both pitch and storage facility shall be secured via the Section 106 [legal] agreement, in addition to their future management and maintenance.

“Planning obligations for secondary education provision, library contributions and assurance that the housing remains affordable in perpetuity will be secured by legal agreement.  Subject to the provision of these planning obligations and necessary conditions the proposal is considered acceptable, and the application is recommended for approval.”

The proposal includes a storage facility (small shed) for a ride-on mower and smaller items of kit for the football club, a statement that specifies that the open space be retained as such in perpetuity, with it used as a football pitch, a financial contribution to cover extra pupil capacity at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids of £34,560 for the first phase, and a contribution of £1,217.44 for library services.

Members heard the properties would help address a county housing need of 142 affordable homes a year, with a local lettings policy.

Speaking at the meeting, Joshua Philips, a member of the local community council and the Solva Community Land Trust said the scheme would help address a “housing crisis going on in Wales,” with 5,000 people on the housing list in Pembrokeshire alone.

Members approved the scheme, with 16 for and one abstention.

TENBY residents and traders are once again raising the alarm about poor mobile phone coverage, as the town enters another busy tourist season with no clear sign of improvements.

County Councillor Michael Williams first raised the issue with Pembrokeshire County Council’s trading standards department back in November, warning that unreliable mobile signal was becoming a serious concern for both residents and businesses. With Easter holidays now underway and visitors flooding back into the town, the problem has resurfaced as a pressing issue.

“All the providers are blaming visitor numbers, but that excuse doesn’t justify the charges people are paying,” Cllr Williams said. “It’s the same problem every year, and it’s time something was done.”

Real-life impact on residents

One local resident, Paul, who is disabled following a serious leg injury, told The Herald that poor signal had led to missed hospital appointments and vital calls.

“It’s ridiculous that in 2025, my phone signal is worse than it was in the 1990s,” he said. “I’ve missed calls from my doctor and the Ambulance Transport Service trying to arrange transport to Morriston Hospital in Swansea. My provider, Three, dropped my bill to £9.99 a month, but what’s the point if I still can’t use the phone?

“I’ve looked into switching providers, but I contacted them all and they said there are problems in Tenby too.”

Missed bookings and safety concerns

Ben Jones, a local plasterer, said the problem is also costing him work.

“I’ve missed bookings from clients because they couldn’t get through,” he said. “One persistent customer said it took him five tries to make contact. I don’t know if emergency calls are prioritised, but if not, this could be a serious safety issue too.”

Local businesses relying on mobile networks for card machines, bookings, and deliveries also say they are being let down.

“It’s embarrassing having to explain to customers that we can’t process a payment because the network’s gone down again,” one shop owner told The Herald. “It makes us look like we’re stuck in the past.”

Infrastructure plans face resistance

Although all four major UK networks—EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three—operate in Tenby, the infrastructure struggles to cope during peak seasons. While there have been plans to install new masts, including a proposed 20-metre 4G mast, progress has been hampered by objections linked to the town’s location within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

“There’s a tension between improving connectivity and preserving the landscape,” said a council planning officer. “But the pressure on mobile networks isn’t going away.”

Regulator urged to step in

The Herald contacted Ofcom to ask whether they are aware of Tenby’s ongoing mobile signal issues and whether they intend to work with providers to improve service ahead of the summer.

In a recent Parliamentary debate, ministers acknowledged concerns that Ofcom’s mobile coverage reports may not always reflect users’ real-world experience—an issue likely to resonate with residents in Tenby and other rural tourist hotspots.

As the Easter holiday rush continues, locals are left hoping that 2025 will finally be the year something changes.