News
Pembs second homes fears discussed by community council

PLANS for a Pembrokeshire housing development, which a local community group fears may become second homes or holiday lets, were discussed by the local community council this week (Apr 13).
The application to build 15 mixed house-type homes, and associated works including a new access, at land adjoining Green Meadow, Pilot Street, St Dogmaels was recently submitted to Pembrokeshire county Council by Enzo’s Estates Ltd.
The applicant says the principle of the residential development on the site has previously been established through a previous approved outline permission in 2006, and a later reserved matters consent in 2010.
A change.org petition against the proposed development by community group Llandudoch Yfory (St Dogmaels Tomorrow) has collected nearly 1,200 signatures.
“The community of St Dogmaels is currently facing a substantial threat from a potential housing development on the field alongside Green Meadow on Pilot Street,” says Llandudoch Yfory.
It says the application shows “no intention of providing affordable homes”.
It adds: “Llandudoch Yfory (St Dogmaels Tomorrow) believes that this application is unacceptable and does not reflect the needs of the locality. Green Meadow is a precious green area which should be kept and sympathetically developed for the benefit of the village community.”
The petition also claims that the proposed new dwellings are “of a size and price that does not answer our community’s needs”.
It raises concerns that new properties could become second homes or holiday lets, and could have “a detrimental impact on the Welsh language and culture”.

The applicant states that a drop-in session public meeting took place at St Dogmaels Memorial Hall in February 2022, attended by some 25 residents, where concerns were raised.
The application, in support of the development, says the site within the settlement area, can be considered a ‘windfall’ site, which would “make an important contribution to meeting the housing supply”.
It also lists a string of points it considers suitable for approval, including being “within an inherently sustainable location within a ‘service village’,” being of the appropriate density having regard to the physical site constraints and surrounding development; and providing “for a high quality, sensitive and sustainable design, which enhances and protects the character and qualities of the adjoining conservation area and surrounding historical landscape”.
It concludes: “Having regard to the above key considerations, it is considered that the proposed development is fundamentally sound in principle and represents an appropriate scheme, which makes effective use of a sustainably located site that previously had outline consent – which falls within the development limits of St Dogmaels.
“This, coupled with the lack of any technical constraint, and the provision of much-needed housing on a deliverable site, provides considerable support for the scheme’s proposal.”
The application itself will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.
Crime
Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.
Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.
She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.
Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.
The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Business
Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.
High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.
To enter the competition, participants must:
- Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
- Like the competition post
- Comment with their favourite Welsh word
The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.
For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Community
Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.
Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.
Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.
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