News
Pembroke Dock: Council has approved plan for new KFC drive thru
LOCAL chicken lovers will finally be able to enjoy a KFC – without a drive to Carmarthen – now that permission has been granted for a new restaurant to be built in Pembrokeshire.
The drive thru will be built on the soon to be demolished training centre on London Road, opposite the entrance to Tesco supermarket in Pembroke Dock.
The new development will require 25 full time employees, a planning application document stated.
But even though work has not started on the new food outlet, jobs are already being advertised online.
A planning application was submitted last year by Euro Garages Group for a drive thru restaurant in Pembroke Dock has been given full approval by Pembrokeshire County Council officers.
Pembrokeshire County Council said in their report: “This full planning application seeks permission for the demolition of the existing structures on the site and the erection of a drive thru and associated development.”
In reaching their decision council planners said: “The proposal would result in the delivery of new food and drink retail development that would have positive economic and social impacts through the provision of a new facility.
“In addition there would be no adverse environmental impacts due to construction to improved environmental standards and the site’s sustainable location.
“Given the length of time the training centre has been vacant (in excess of 5 years) and the subsequent retail planning permission the loss of this facility has previously been established.
“The proposed development is located within Pembroke Dock, and due to the fact there are no existing facilities with drive thru within the town
centre, the direct impact is likely to be limited and therefore the proposed use would not impact negatively on the vitality and viability of any Town or Local Retail Centre.”
Haverfordwest and Pembroke are two areas that KFC has recently listed as targets for expansion.
Speaking last year a spokesman for KFC said Pembroke Dock was one of their target locations, bit said “it was not a guarantee” that any store would open.
They said: “We always have a list of areas where we’re on the lookout for new restaurants. We know there’s loads of chicken lovers out there waiting patiently for the Colonel to arrive in their town so watch this space.”
KFC also said: “We have bold ambitions to have over 1,000 stores in the UK and Ireland by 2020 and we are looking to build over 50 new stores a year.”
Publicity of the application was undertaken, and three letters of representation were received objecting to the proposed development. Objections included there being no access statement or traffic management proposal. There were fears about the impact on the highway network, and alleged lack of detail about the specifics of the site occupant (The application does not mention KFC and the council report describes the project as a coffee shop).
There were concerns about low level wage nature of the job creation as a result of the development.
One objector argued that there should be retention and reuse of the existing building rather than demolition. There are concerns over increased litter, and one correspondent said that the development should incorporate use of renewable energy.
Pembroke Dock Town Council also objected to the development.
In March 2020, planning applicant Euro Garages Group became KFC’s largest franchisee in Europe through the acquisition of 145 KFC outlets in the UK and Ireland. The application was given full approval on December 22.
The picture at the top of this article is a photo of a new KFC store in Carlisle. According to the plans, the Pembrokeshire store will looks very similar.
Business
Homebase enters administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk
HOMEBASE, the beleaguered home improvement chain with stores in Haverfordwest and Bridgend, has collapsed into administration, placing 2,000 jobs in jeopardy. The company has struggled with rising costs and shifting consumer demand, which led to the closure of other Welsh stores in Newport, Brecon, Mold, and Cardiff in recent years.
Hilco, Homebase’s owner, had been attempting to sell the struggling retailer but failed to secure a complete buyer. The owner of The Range, CDS Superstores, has agreed to acquire up to 70 Homebase locations along with the brand itself, protecting approximately 1,600 jobs. However, this deal leaves 49 stores without a buyer, with thousands of additional jobs at risk in stores and at the head office. Teneo, the appointed administrators, declined to specify which locations face potential closure.
For now, the 49 stores will continue trading as Teneo seeks a buyer, with no immediate redundancies planned. In the new arrangement, CDS Superstores has acquired Homebase’s brand name and intellectual property, ensuring the Homebase brand will persist online, while physical stores will convert to The Range.
Damian McGloughlin, CEO of Homebase, described the past three years as “incredibly challenging” for the DIY sector. He cited the downturn in consumer spending following the pandemic, persistent inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and unusual weather patterns as factors that impacted Homebase’s performance. Despite restructuring and investment efforts, the business has not been able to turn its fortunes around.
Teneo joint administrator Gavin Maher acknowledged the uncertainty this announcement brings, urging any interested buyers for the remaining stores to make contact.
The current administration marks the end of a troubled chapter for Homebase, which Hilco bought for £1 in 2018 after Wesfarmers, its previous owner, admitted to several strategic missteps, including underestimating winter demand and cutting popular product lines. Homebase reported an £84.2 million loss last year, highlighting its continued financial struggle amid competition from budget-friendly rivals such as B&M and Home Bargains, which have thrived in the value-driven market.
Homebase was founded in 1979 by Sainsbury’s and the Belgian-owned department store chain GB-inno-BM. Over the years, it expanded rapidly, absorbing the Texas Homecare chain in the 1990s before changing hands several times in the 2000s.
Community
Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards
CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.
The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.
Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”
The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.
Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.
For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.
Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.
Crime
Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches
PHILIP Murray, 52, of 11 Picton Place, Pembroke Dock, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 14) to face several charges of breaching a community protection notice. The notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, required Murray to control his dogs in response to repeated disturbances.
The charges relate to incidents from May to September 2024, when Murray allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions set out in a notice issued on January 3, 2024. Court documents state that despite multiple warnings, Murray continued to disregard the order, leading to ongoing issues linked to his dogs’ behaviour.
If found guilty, Murray could face a Level 4 fine for each offence. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Courtroom 1, presided over by the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Adult Panel.
The case underscores the role of community protection notices in addressing persistent anti-social behavior.
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