News
One Planet scheme unanimously backed by planners
A ONE PLANET Development in north Pembrokeshire – prepared with ‘military precision’ was unanimously backed by Pembrokeshire planners present.
Applicants Simon Hillam – a former British Army warrant officer – and nurse Clare Gray sought permission for a One Planet Development on three fields at Y Gaer Pencraig, Llangolman.
One Planet Developments allow people to live off the land in the open countryside in a self-sufficient and eco-friendly way.
The application, which included the siting of a residential unit, yurt, produce shed, solar shed, goat shed, toilet, shower unit, storage containers and polytunnel and the creation of ponds, was recommended for conditional approval by Pembrokeshire planners at their May meeting.
Planners heard the couple, who currently live in nearby Hermon, already ran a successful business from the site called ‘Blossoms and Berries,’ which specialises in producing high-quality flower bouquets and fruit for sale at local farmers’ markets, making just over £12,000 a year.
Members also heard the site includes Pencraig-Fawr Camp, a scheduled monument of national importance, believed to date to the Iron Age.
Local council Mynachlogddu Community Council had commented: “Councillors remain sceptical of development. Pembrokeshire County Council must urge the applicant to respect the iron age fort which is part of the site and to adhere to the strict rules governing the development of one planet.”
Eight letters of support, and four in opposition to the development were also received.
Applicant Simon Hillen told planners he and his wife were “passionate growers,” who wanted to make a positive contribution to the area, conceding: “a One Planet Development lifestyle is not for the soft-hearted.”
Speaking against the proposal, neighbour Michael Ritchie, felt the application – in an area of “unspoilt countryside” was neither appropriate to the area or the One Planet policy.
He also raised concerns of the proximity to Pencraig-Fawr Camp, and felt the village was already “inundated with One Planet Developments”.
Councillor Brian Hall, who moved approval, said the application was very different to earlier One Planet submissions, which often were difficult to support, adding: “I have no hesitation in going with the recommendation and wish them all the success.”
He was seconded by Councillor Mark Carter, who said: “It seems a business to me that is going to go forward.”
Fellow planner Councillor Rhys Jordan said it was “really pleasing to see such attention to detail,” describing the application as “effectively military precision in the way this has been carried out”.
Councillor Tony Wilcox also compared the application with previous examples: “Over the years we’ve had some real doozies, but I’m fully confident this one will be successful.”
One member of the planning committee, Councillor Michael Williams, who has previously been critical of the One Planet Development scheme had withdrawn from the debate, citing a “prejudicial interest”.
Cllr Williams has previously – at the February meeting of the county council’s Cabinet – called for a Wales-wide moratorium on all such future developments.
News
Man remanded in custody following alleged assault in town centre
A PEMBROKE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged assault against a woman in Pembroke town centre last Thursday.
Morgan Ralph, 38, is accused of assaulting a female, occasioning her actual bodily harm during the alleged altercation on March 14.
Ralph, who appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning via a video link from Swansea Prison, pleaded not guilty to the offence.
His solicitor Tom Lloyd, informed magistrates that Ralph was acting in self defence during the alleged incident.
The matter was adjourned to May 23 when Ralph, of St Oswalds, Main Street, Pembroke, will be tried before Haverfordwest magistrates.
He was remanded in custody.
News
Retaining wall collapse in Haverfordwest crushes van
A RETAINING wall at Spring Gardens Lane, behind the site of the former Pembroke House Hotel in Haverfordwest, has collapsed following a period of heavy rainfall, causing damage to vehicles parked in the vicinity.
The incident has left two vans damaged, one severely.
The collapse of the wall sent debris sprawling across the car park, illustrating the force of the collapse and the substantial volume of water contributing to the structural failure.
Witnesses described hearing a loud rumbling noise before discovering the aftermath of the collapse.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and the importance of maintaining and monitoring ageing infrastructure.
Business
People in Wales are worried about running out of money in retirement
FEAR of running out of money in retirement is rising among those in Wales with more than half (55%) concerned their savings will not last them through retirement, new research from Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) shows (please see the attached press release).
In general, women are more worried about running out of money compared to men. More than half (54%) of women surveyed are concerned about how long their money will last in retirement, compared to only 44% of men. Around 46% of men who are not worried about running out of money in retirement say it is because they have a final salary pension scheme – compared to just 38% of women who have this.
The study by Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of Rathbones Group, among people with stock market investments including pensions, paints a bleak picture – around 55% of those living in Wales are concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This is similar to the UK average of 56%.
Women are more worried than men that they do not have enough money for retirement. Almost two thirds (61%) of women surveyed are concerned, with 18% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This compares to just over half (53%) of men surveyed, with 14% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement.
The Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) study shows that those living in Wales who have yet to retire are realistic about what will happen to their incomes in retirement – 64% expect their monthly incomes to drop on retirement and 36% did not know.
-
Community6 days ago
Two Welsh codebreakers who helped shorten WWII celebrate their 100th birthdays
-
Community2 days ago
Residents hit back after YouTube video shows Milford ‘in decline’
-
News20 hours ago
Air ambulance called following incident at Aldi Pembroke Dock
-
Crime6 days ago
Local carer admits defrauding client by more than £7,000
-
Crime6 days ago
Dramatic arrest of three men after man hospitalised in assault
-
News5 days ago
Pembroke Dock grants scandal: A decade of deception unravelled
-
News6 days ago
Llŷr Davies, 16, was kind, funny and charming, says bereaved family
-
Crime7 days ago
Neyland motorist caught driving Mercedes four times over the limit