News

Meditational huts at internationally-renowned Christian centre approved

Published

3 years ago

April 4, 2023

PLANS for ‘shepherd’ and ‘hermit’ huts at an internationally-renowned Christian retreat in Pembrokeshire have been given the go-ahead by national park planners.

An application for five ‘hermit’ huts and one ‘shepherd’ hut at Ffald y Brenin Christian Retreat Centre and House of Prayer in the Gwaun Valley, near Fishguard, was submitted by Mr C Orchard.

All huts at the former hilltop farm are intended for use as meditational quiet spaces and are not intended to provide overnight accommodation, a report for planners stated, adding that the ‘hermit’ huts would be recessed into the hillside onsite.

The application statement by agent David Davis, of Dai2a Ltd said: “Ffald y Brenin, in the Gwaun Valley, is a Christian Retreat Centre and House of Prayer that was established in 1985 and has grown It added: to become well-known globally.”

“Over the years, Ffald y Brenin has brought welcome income to the area through its day visitors who stay locally when the Centre is full, as well as through conferences and other events held nearby, which use local guest houses and eating places. Twelve people are also employed locally by the Trust.

“Ffald y Brenin is now entering a new phase. Under new leadership, and despite the setbacks from the Covid lockdown, they want to re-emphasise the elements with which the charity was founded: restoration of the soul, community and prayer.

“The publicity that came with two books telling Ffald y Brenin’s story (The Grace Outpouring and The Way of Blessing) meant the site was sometimes overcrowded with day visitors, often traveling from abroad, interrupting the intended tranquillity of the environment.”

The application added: “The review of the original vision highlighted a need to provide several quiet spaces away from daily retreat activities and the comings and goings of day visitors. It is desirable for some of these to be in close proximity to the day facilities whilst still maintaining a degree of separation and privacy.

“These spaces can be simple, providing shelter from the elements and with a basic level of comfort, but they should not provide accommodation for overnight stays.”

A national park report for its planners said: “The proposed scheme is considered to be acceptable in terms of siting, scale, form, use and design. The development will conserve and enhance the special qualities of the National Park.”

The application was granted conditional approval.

Low key: An example of what the hermit huts may look like

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.