News
Victorian-style development planned to replace Tenby sorting office
PLANS to demolish and replace Tenby’s “austere modernist” former Royal Mail sorting office with a larger 19th century-style development are expected to get the go-ahead.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, meeting on Wednesday, are recommended to back an application for the demolition of the sorting office in the conservation area, replacing it with a four-storey mixed development of 34 residential units and ground-level commercial properties.
The application, made by Trillium (RMF) Ltd, includes five affordable housing units, four of which would be socially rented.
The proposed demolition of site buildings on the vacant site also requires conservation area consent, which will also be discussed on the day.
Tenby Town Council has made no objection to the demolition of the building itself, but has recommended the main scheme be refused due to what it sees as a lack of affordable housing and – along with similar concerns from Tenby Civic Society – impact on the surrounding area.
Six letters of objection have been received, raising concerns including over-development, a lack of affordable housing, and a lack of parking.
A report for the March 8 development management committee states: “Whilst the somewhat austere modernism of the complex offers a contrast to the Victorian chapels to either side, the post office complex is not of high architectural or historical merit.”
It later adds: “In the opinion of the report’s author, the demolition of the existing low level late 20th century industrial utilitarianism style building and its replacement with a much taller building, in a 19th century-style reminiscent of buildings on High Street but not in the South Parade area would have a positive effect on the setting of the Town Walls.
“The design captures the Victorian character of the town well and responds both to the topography and adjacent listed buildings in terms of stepped heights. A high level of detail will be required under appropriate conditions of typical joinery details, render, slate, retail windows etc.
“As stated above, the main block is of four storeys with attic, but the ridge does not exceed that of the chapels either side, the latter remaining pre-eminent in the streetscape, as their architects and congregations intended.
“As such, it is considered that the character and appearance of the conservation area is retained.”
If the development management committee approves the plans on March 8, they would then be delegated to senior officers for final approval, subject to legal agreements on the affordable housing aspect.
Business
Small business briefing hosted by Local MS
A BRIEFING event which considered how to best support small businesses in Wales has been hosted by Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies. Mr Davies hosted the event in partnership with the Development Bank of Wales, Economic Intelligence Wales and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Wales at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay. The theme of the event was ‘productivity’, given that Wales has had a persistent productivity gap with the UK as a whole and with other international competitor regions.
Mr Davies said, “It’s always a pleasure to help facilitate discussions on how we can support small businesses across Wales. 99.3% of businesses in Wales are small or medium enterprises (SMEs) and it’s important for us to explore the opportunities there are to boost SME growth.”
“Business-friendly policies are needed to address Wales’s persistent productivity gap, and we heard from the speakers today that more support is needed in areas like skills development, infrastructure enhancements and planning.”
“As I’ve said before, the Welsh Government has some significant economic levers, and it must now use those levers to create conditions for growth in Wales. We know that when small businesses thrive, they create jobs, spread prosperity and keep our communities vibrant and it’s crucial that governments at all levels do more to support our small businesses and enable them to grow.”
Business
Bristol Trader to temporarily serve menu at the Castle Hotel
The team of a popular riverside pub in Pembrokeshire, devastated by a recent fire, will relocate to a new town centre location while repair work is carried out on the original site.
On Wednesday, 6 November, a fire broke out at The Bristol Trader, situated on Haverfordwest’s riverside, causing significant damage to the building. The fire affected two floors of the pub as well as the roof space, forcing its closure. Smoke from the blaze was visible across the town as firefighters from Haverfordwest and Milford Haven worked for two hours to extinguish the flames.
Following the incident, the pub’s owners expressed their sadness, describing the team as “absolutely heartbroken” but determined to reopen and come back stronger. They extended their gratitude to the regulars, locals, friends, and family who have offered their support during this difficult time.
In the meantime, The Bristol Trader team will continue operating from an alternative venue. Beginning Monday, 18 November, the pub will relocate to the restaurant of the Castle Hotel, located on Haverfordwest Square, where they’ll serve the same menu.
“While repairs are being made to The Bristol Trader, Team Trader are being temporarily relocated to The Castle Hotel Restaurant from Monday the 18th of November,” announced the team in a social media post. “All our menus are attached to our Facebook page, and the phone lines are being redirected.”
Anyone with a booking at The Bristol Trader who hasn’t been in touch since the fire on 6 November is encouraged to contact the team at 01437 762122.
News
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigns following child abuse report
THE Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation following the publication of a damning report that reveals the Church of England covered up decades of abuse by prominent barrister John Smyth QC.
Welby stated: “Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign.”
The resignation follows the release of the independent Makin review last week, which detailed how Smyth, over a span of five decades, abused children and young men in the UK and Africa. The report estimates that as many as 130 boys and young men suffered severe physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse at Smyth’s hands, leaving lasting scars on their lives.
The review highlighted a critical missed opportunity, concluding that Smyth might have faced justice had Archbishop Welby reported the abuse to police a decade ago. Smyth, who died in Cape Town in 2018 at age 75, was under investigation by Hampshire Police but was “never brought to justice for the abuse,” according to the report.
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