Community

Dale holiday lets plans at former WW2 RAF buildings refused

Published

2 years ago

August 18, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to convert a disused former World War Two RAF wireless buildings to holiday lets have been turned down by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Gina Smithies, of Marloes, sought the conversion of the disused RAF wireless buildings – formerly used for agricultural storage – at Philbeach Farm, Dale, to holiday lets.

The larger of the two BCF (British Concrete Federation) buildings is proposed to be converted into two holiday lets and the smaller building used for the storage of surf boards, wet suits, and as a recycling and amenity area.

Marloes & St Brides Community Council had supported the application, the only proviso being an objection to the restriction of use to holiday letting only.

Agent eadstudio4, in its supporting statement, said: “During the Second world war Pembrokeshire had more airfields that any other part of Wales.

“Talbenny airport overlooking St Brides Bay and Dale looking over Milford Haven and west over Marloes Sands to Skokholm were constructed in 1941/42.

“Dale had a frontline role when Wellington bombers of No 304 (Polish) Squadron, RAF Coastal Command arrived.

“The squadron’s role was anti-submarine patrol. They took part in the bombing raids on ports in occupied France. In September 1943 the airfield was transferred from RAF to Royal Navy.

“Dale has perhaps the best preserved ‘dispersed site’ in Pembrokeshire (buildings were spread out over a large area to minimise damage from enemy bombing).

“It is unique in that it has examples of both RAF and Royal Navy architecture.

“The main accommodation site for Dale at Grabhall Farm (on the hill just south of Philbeach Farm) has many of the original buildings preserved. The proposal is to convert two buildings to northwest of the accommodation area on the Marloes to Dale Road.”

It added: “Whilst not ‘pretty’ buildings they have been sitting in the exposed landscape for some 80 years and are part of the area’s heritage.

“The buildings are now in a poor state of repair with no longer have any practical use for modern agriculture practice (currently giving inadequate storage of wooden potato packing boxes).”

National park planners refused the application on grounds including it “would result in an unsustainable development which is to the detriment of the special landscape character of this part of the National Park which the National Park has a statutory duty to conserve and enhance”.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.