News

Retrospective holiday houseboat plans turned down four years on

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN APPLICATION for a luxury holiday let on a boat, recommended for conditional approval back in 2019, was turned down by planning officers earlier this month.

Back in 2019, retrospective plans for a floating houseboat holiday unit at New Pencoed, part of Little Pencoed Farm, near Lawrenny, was given a conditional go-ahead after an earlier application was turned down.

Applicant Bruce Carlisle stated works for the holiday houseboat had started in 2016 and finished in 2017.

A report for planners back in 2019 stated: “Little Pencoed is a 300-acre organic dairy farm. The land comprises a mixture of woodland (100 acres) and grassland.

“The farm has 100 milking cows and income is supplemented by a tourism business comprising a campsite and shepherd’s hut. The floating houseboat provides for an additional unit of unique self-catering accommodation on the farm.”

Referring to a site visit to view the houseboat, it added: “The submitted plans detail that it can float within the pond. The structure has no engine or means of steering.

“At the time of the site visit the structure was chained/anchored to a wooden pontoon to stop it floating out into the pond. It is considered that the structure is operational development.”

The later 2019 approval was subject to conditions including completion of a Section 106 agreement, where delegated powers were given to the Head of Planning to approve the application subject to an agreement preventing the separation of the boathouse from the agricultural unit.

It also included conditions of development in accordance with the approved plans, and being for holiday occupancy only.

However, in March 2023, the application was refused by officers, stating: “In the event of the Section 106 Legal Agreement not being completed within three months that delegated power be granted to the Head of Planning to refuse the application due to failure to comply with policies…”

After the decision was made, a spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “The committee resolution was subject to the applicant entering into a legal agreement, however there were issues in respect of identifying parties with an interest in the land.

“In addition, resource issues meant that a backlog of applications formed. The council is now going through the backlog to clear outstanding cases.”

The applicant’s website, Dragonfly Camping, says the Kingfisher houseboat “was built by master craftsmen to our own specification with stunning lakeside views,” adding it offers: an ideal romantic retreat for couples”.

The applicants said they are working with the council in the hope of a positive future outcome.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.