News

New town library safe despite costs increase, say developers

Published

1 year ago

June 27, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A COMMUNITY library being built as part of the redevelopment of the former community school in Narberth is safe despite a huge increase in costs, planners heard.

Back in 2020, an application from local businessman Andrew Rees, on behalf of a local consortium for the transformation of the “eyesore” former Narberth CP school site was given the green light by councillors.

The proposal included the conversion and redevelopment for two retail units, and a new library for the town, along with eight three-bedroom houses and three one-bedroom apartments.

The library itself is subject to a 125-year lease at a peppercorn rate, listed as £20.

Earlier this year, an application to remove an affordable housing element of the scheme was submitted to planners due to increased costs on the site.

An authority commissioned District Valuer’s Office (DVO) report said the residual land value of the site, which it lists at -£202,759 is substantially below the benchmark land value, listed at £248,001, to make the scheme become viable.

“Evidence has been presented that clearly indicates that the development, that includes commercial space that would be of benefit to the town, a new library and much-needed housing provision, could not proceed if the required affordable housing provision were to be pursued.”

It was recommended to be approved at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee, but was deferred in the hope a compromise could be reached on the affordable housing issue.

The application came back before the June 27 meeting of the planning committee, again recommended for approval.

Members heard from joint developer Charles Salmon, who stressed the provision of the library was secure – the initial foundations having been laid – despite a major increase in costs of the development, including some £280,000 towards the library.

“We feel we have carried out our side of the bargain; we can’t pull out anyway, it’s been built,” he said.

He also said the developers were “sensitive to the second homes issue,” the open market housing on what was previously “an eyesore on the gateway to Narberth” being first offered for local over-55s.

Councillor Brian Hall moved the application – which has a long string of conditions including delivery of a scheme of affordable housing provision or a further development viability assessment after two years should no houses be occupied – be approved.

The recommendation was backed by nine votes to one, with one member abstaining.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.