News

Holiday let on water, featured in The Times, gets thumbs-up after refusal

Published

1 year ago

August 3, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE luxury holiday let on a boat, previously refused planning, has been given the go-ahead after its owners proved it had been used for years, even citing articles in the Times and Observer newspapers.

The application for the luxury holiday let, at New Pencoed, part of Little Pencoed Farm, near Lawrenny, which had been recommended for conditional approval in 2019, was turned down by planning officers back in March.

In 2019, retrospective plans for the boat at the south Pembrokeshire organic dairy farm were given a conditional go-ahead after an earlier application was turned down.

Applicant Bruce Carlisle stated works for the holiday houseboat – on a former irrigation pond – had started in 2016 and finished in 2017, the boat being part of a tourism business, including a campsite and shepherd’s hut, supplementing the farm’s income.

Following a site visit to view the boat, delegated approval was given in 2019, subject to conditions including being for holiday occupancy only.

However, in March 2023, the application was refused by officers, a spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council later saying: “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.”

Detailing why the decision had taken some four years, the spokesman said “… resource issues meant that a backlog of applications formed,” adding: “The council is now going through the backlog to clear outstanding cases.”

After that, the applicants said they were working with the council in the hope of “a positive future outcome”.

Since that refusal, agent Gerald Blain Associates submitted a certificate of lawful development for the houseboat, making the case: “…the fact that the houseboat development has been completed for a period in excess of four years prior to the date of this submission is lawful if no formal enforcement action has been taken by the Local Planning Authority within the prescribed four-year period”.

Included in the application was case law, correspondence with the council from 2018, and cuttings from several national newspapers showing the houseboat holiday let was up-and-running back at least as far back as 2018, with an April 2018 article from The Times, and a July 2018 article from The Observer submitted.

Planning officers have now approved the certificate of lawful development, saying: “It is considered that on the balance of probability the building has been erected and occupied continuously for a period of time in excess of four years”.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

7 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

20 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

20 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.