News

Officers thought request for information ‘unreasonable’

Published

4 years ago

October 17, 2021

A CONTROVERSIAL application due for consideration by the County Council’s Planning Committee was removed from the agenda of its meeting last Tuesday (Oct 5).
The application due for discussion relates to a massive housing development of 729 houses on land off Slade Lane, Haverfordwest.
Head of Planning David Popplewell sprang the surprise move on the morning of the meeting.
The Committee was asked to consider scrapping an affordable housing commitment in the development under matters reserved from the existing planning permission.
The existing permission contains a condition that 25% of the houses built would be affordable homes.
The applicant now claims meeting that condition would make developing the site commercially unviable.

A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE SCENES

Invited to explain the late decision by a clearly frustrated Cllr Jacob Williams, Mr Popplewell told the Committee: “There has been consideration of a number of matters since publication of the agenda relating to development viability. “We consider the viability study prepared by the district valuer should be before the Committee and the report before members today does not, perhaps, give the full range of information to inform their judgment on the recommendation to approve the changes the developer seeks.”
Cllr Williams responded by lifting the veil on preparations for Planning Committee meetings.
The day before the meeting, it’s Cllr Williams’s practice to review items on the agenda with the Council’s planning officers to iron out any details and grasp the issues that come to the Committee.
He told members – and the watching public – he met with planning officers on Monday (October 4) and expressed concern at the thinness of the report Planning Committee members were supposed to form a judgement on, especially as it related to such a large project. He told members that if the matter came before the Committee as scheduled, he would have moved a motion to defer it pending the delivery of more complete information to them.
“It’s only since then,” he said, “that this matter has been removed from the agenda. My view is that members should see the district valuer’s report, upon which so much hinges. There was a lot of push-back on that and I was told my request was ‘unreasonable’.”

WE MUST SEE THE EVIDENCE AND REPRESENTATIONS MUST BE ALLOWED

Cllr Williams continued: “My position is that where planning officers would have sight of reports to inform their decisions if they decided the matter themselves, it is only right that committee members have the same material to inform them.”
He also outlined that it was only the previous day he’d been contacted by Haverfordwest Town Council informing him they were unaware of this application and had not been notified of it. He explained that the Planning Department’s position was that the Town Council did not need to be told because this was not a planning application but an application to modify existing permission.
Jacob Williams expressed the opinion; “There is something when we don’t notify concerned parties of such a consequent application.
“By the time this comes back to the Committee,” he said, “I hope all those who might wish to speak on this matter will have the opportunity to do so.”

COMMITTEE SHARES CHAIR’S CONCERNS

Cllr Mark Carter supported the Chair. He tartly observed that the Committee was being asked to remove 180 affordable houses from Haverfordwest on the back of a very slim document.
Cllr Tony Wilcox observed that the Committee was being asked to approve something the size of a medium-sized village in Haverfordwest with no affordable housing without any supporting documentation.
Jacob Williams moved a proposal that the decision be deferred.
He wanted Committee members to see all documents and appendices from the District Valuer’s report and a copy of the applicant’s representations supporting scrapping the affordable housing provision.
Cllr Mark Carter seconded the motion.
Cllr Jonathan Preston expressed disbelief and concern that removing the affordable housing provision could have been done “at the stroke of a pen.”
He thanked David Popplewell for ensuring it did come before members to decide.
Cllr Jacob Williams’s motion was carried unanimously.

SIZE AND ECONOMICS THE ISSUES

According to Welsh Government statistics, the average household size in Pembrokeshire is circa. 2.3 people.
The Slade Lane development would add well over 1,600 people to the population of Haverfordwest. That would make the housing estate the size of a whole County Council ward if fully occupied.
While Pembrokeshire faces a housing shortage, the shortage of houses is most acute for those seeking affordable homes or social housing to rent.
When a previous planning committee granted permission, the scheme involved the construction of a new petrol station and supermarket. It was hailed as bringing commercial opportunities and employment to our county town.
That permission hinged on the promise of 500 jobs being brought to Pembrokeshire by Sainsbury’s.
At the time, the then developer’s agent said: “Financial realities have meant there has been little progress with this site in seven years. Sainsburys now makes this possible. The new store cross-subsidises the wider development.”
However, the supermarket scheme went down the drain in 2015, when Sainsbury’s withdrew their interest.
Despite having some infrastructure in place, the site has remained vacant and undeveloped ever since.
The developer’s problem undoubtedly boils down to money.
Supply lines are stretched, material costs have skyrocketed, margins are shrinking, and qualified workers with the appropriate certifications are in very short supply. New Welsh Government regulations on phosphate solutions and the requirement for new builds to be more energy efficient also drive up developers’ costs.
The current Pembrokeshire housing boom is driven by purchasers from outside Pembrokeshire snapping up our county’s relatively cheap housing stock in a limited number of areas for second homes or as holiday-letting investments.
At that end of the market, the ratchet effect has inexorably raised prices elsewhere in the county, where stock is limited. The end result is that many Pembrokeshire residents are unable to get on the property ladder.
Suppose houses at the Slade Lane development are priced out of locals’ reach. In that case, the most likely outcome is that properties would be bought as investments by speculators and private landlords, second homes, Airbnb’s, or even outright holiday lets.
That is not what was originally promised and is not the basis upon which the original permission was agreed in 2013.

Entertainment

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

4 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life

TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy on Saturday (Mar 21) as hundreds of visitors descended on the town for the annual Steampunk Festival.

The highlight of the day came with the much-anticipated Peacock Parade, which saw elaborately dressed participants wind their way through Tenby’s narrow streets, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Residents and visitors lined the route, many stopping to take photos as performers in eye-catching costumes passed by. From brass goggles and top hats to military-inspired uniforms and elegant gowns, the outfits on display reflected the creativity and theatrical spirit of the steampunk scene.

Among the most striking sights were the towering pink flamingo creations, which rose high above the crowds and became an instant talking point. Musicians in period costume added to the atmosphere, playing lively tunes as they marched through the town.

Families were out in force, with children and adults alike enjoying the spectacle. Many visitors had travelled from across Wales and beyond to attend the event, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Tenby’s events calendar.

The Herald understands that local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafés, pubs and shops seeing a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

In addition to the parade, a range of activities were taking place across the town, including markets, performances and themed entertainment centred around the De Valence Pavilion.

Organisers have worked to create an inclusive and welcoming event, with many people choosing to dress up while others simply come along to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The festival continues on Sunday, with further events planned as Tenby remains firmly in the grip of steampunk fever for the weekend.

Photos: Colourful characters take part in the Peacock Parade through Tenby on Saturday (Pic: Gareth Davies).

News

Accidental deaths in Wales rise by 43% as calls grow for urgent action

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

More than 1,200 lives lost each year as charity warns of growing public health crisis

ACCIDENTAL deaths in Wales have risen by 43% over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people now dying each year, prompting calls for urgent action from the next Welsh Government.

New figures released by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) show that Wales now has a death rate 22% higher than the UK average, with preventable harm placing increasing pressure on the NHS and disproportionately affecting poorer communities.

Falls remain the leading cause of accidental death, accounting for nearly half of all fatalities. People in Wales are around 24% more likely to die from a fall than those elsewhere in the UK.

RoSPA has warned that the situation represents a growing public health crisis, as it launches its Stronger, Safer Wales manifesto ahead of the next Senedd election.

The charity is urging ministers to treat accident prevention as a national priority, arguing that many deaths could be avoided through relatively simple and low-cost interventions.

Accidental harm is also linked to a range of other risks, including rural road collisions, accidental poisonings, machinery incidents, and dog-related injuries.

The wider impact is significant, with preventable accidents costing the NHS billions, reducing workforce participation, and deepening inequality across Wales.

RoSPA is calling for a range of measures, including improved home safety standards, compulsory water safety education in schools, and stronger road safety interventions.

Among its proposals are mandatory eyesight tests for drivers every three years, better road markings to protect motorcyclists, and tighter regulation of unsafe or counterfeit products sold online.

The charity also wants to see national home safety programmes introduced to support vulnerable households, along with clearer responsibilities for local authorities in managing water safety risks.

Becky Hickman, Chief Executive of RoSPA, said the figures should act as a wake-up call for policymakers.

She said: “Wales is facing a clear and escalating crisis of accidental deaths, and the evidence shows the situation is worsening year on year.

“Behind every statistic is a life that could have been saved with practical, proven interventions.

“We are calling on the next Welsh Government to make accident prevention a national priority, because coordinated action will save lives, reduce inequalities and relieve pressure on the NHS.”

She added: “Accidents are not inevitable. With strong leadership and consistent standards across Wales, we can significantly reduce preventable harm.”

RoSPA says tackling the issue will require coordinated action across government, emergency services, local authorities and industry, but insists that the solutions are both achievable and cost-effective.

The charity’s manifesto is intended to shape future policy in Wales, with a focus on reducing avoidable deaths while easing pressure on overstretched public services.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

6 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/