News

Appeal is still ongoing for Pembroke Dock lorry park, councillors told

Published

3 years ago

February 19, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN APPEAL launched after a Pembroke Dock lorry park was refused is still ongoing, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee heard on February 14.

Back in March 2022 members of the planning committee refused the application by Certas Energy UK on the grounds it will have a negative impact on a conservation area.

The planning committee had been minded to refuse the application at its February 2022 meeting, but as it was against officer recommendation for approval, a cooling-off period was enacted for discussion of detailed planning objections.

At its meeting on March 16 local members Tony Wilcox, Brian Hall and then-councillor Paul Dowson reiterated their objections to the proposal and the strength of feeling against it from the community.

Certas Energy UK wants to build its HGV parking area – with space for 17 HGV oil tankers and 18 car parking spaces as well as staff welfare building – on the Criterion Way, Pembroke Dock site, but concerns about environmental impacts, traffic problems and a detrimental effect on the town were raised.

At the March 2022 meeting, members heard that the applicant had already lodged an appeal on the grounds of “non-determination” with this being the fourth time it had been discussed by the committee.

Reference in the planning report to the fact that “members may consider that the development would not preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area” was considered a strong reason for refusing and a defence against any future appeal.

Cllr Hall moved an amendment that the application be refused and this was unanimously supported by the committee.

At the February 2023 meeting of the planning committee, chair Councillor Jacob Williams said the appeal was still ongoing, following a site visit which took place in November of last year.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

12 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge after series of offences in Haverfordwest

Published

14 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A YOUTH has been given a conditional discharge after admitting a series of offences in Haverfordwest, including assault, shop theft and interfering with motor vehicles.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences took place over a number of days in December 2025.

The court was told that on Saturday (Dec 6), the youth assaulted another child by beating them during an incident in the town. On the same date, they also stole two cans of Red Bull worth £5.40 from Tesco.

Further offences were committed on Tuesday (Dec 9), when the youth interfered with multiple vehicles at a vehicle repair workshop at Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven. The offences involved attempts to interfere with vehicles with the intention of theft.

The youth appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where guilty pleas were entered to all matters.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for each offence, taking into account the early guilty pleas.

The court also ordered the youth to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £5.40 in compensation to Tesco. No order for costs was made due to the financial circumstances involved.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Local Government

New mayor-elect announced for Haverfordwest

Published

17 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed its new Mayor-Elect, with Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner set to take on the role later this year.

In a statement, he said he was “honoured” to accept the nomination, describing it as a moment that will stay with him forever.

He also highlighted the significance of the appointment, saying he is set to become the town’s first mayor of colour and the youngest in a century.

The councillor said the role represents more than a personal achievement, adding that it reflects “progress, representation, and the power of community.”

His official mayor-making ceremony is expected to take place in May.

The Mayor-Elect said: “Haverfordwest is the best in the West – and together, we are just getting started.”