News
Scolton Manor stables wedding venue plans approved
A PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL scheme to change Scolton Manor’s Grade II-listed former stables to a wedding venue has been given the go-ahead by its county planners.
Pembrokeshire County Council applied for permission to convert the Old Stables at Scolton Manor, Cardigan Road, Spittal, with a free-standing glass canopy to the courtyard of the Manor House.
The canopy will be self-supporting on four columns and would be able to be removed if not required.
Agent David Haward Associates, in a supporting statement, said: “The proposal is to convert the stable block to a wedding ceremony venue. Whilst it is a change of use, the proposed changes are minimal so as not to interfere with the building’s fabric. Unfortunately, little maintenance work if any has been carried out since 2014, consequently the conversion is a good opportunity to carry out essential maintenance work to ensure the building’s fabric is preserved.
“The current use of the building is generally for storage which does not provide an income that can be used for essential building maintenance or repair. It is generally accepted that the best method of preserving listed buildings is to have an economic use for them.
“The conversion to a wedding venue will generate income that will provide a budget for general maintenance and repair. Due to the proposed use, there will be a further incentive to keep the building in an attractive condition to prevent further decay. The alterations required are all minor and can easily be reversed should the building no longer be required as a wedding venue.”
A report for planners said the change of use of the courtyard, carriage house and blacksmith as a wedding venue “would enhance the facilities on offer at the site which would have positive social impacts”.
It added: “The country park is a facility which is open to the public offering a wide range of facilities and activities. The use of the former stables and courtyard to provide wedding event facilities would add to the diversity of events on offer at the site.”
The Georgian-style stable court was constructed c. 1840 to the design of William and James Owen of Haverfordwest.
Associated listed building consent for the changes was approved in early 2023, and previous plans for a wedding venue were withdrawn in 2020, as additional bat survey work was required.
The latest application has been conditionally approved under delegated powers.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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