News

Pembrokeshire farm shed built without permission approved by planners

Published

2 years ago

February 4, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

RETROSPECTIVE plans for a shed at a 950-herd dairy farm on a site subject to an ongoing enforcement appeal have been given the go-ahead by Pembrokeshire national park planners.

In an application recommended for approval at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee meeting of January 31, Mr and Mrs Watkins of Trewern Farms Ltd sought permission for an agricultural workshop and equipment store at Trewern, Velindre, north Pembrokeshire.

A report for planners said the application was “part of a wider complex of buildings which are the subject of a current planning enforcement appeal,” the 340-acre farm having expanded significantly over recent years with many of the buildings and structures erected without planning permission.

A slurry lagoon, silage clamps and 10 of the newer agricultural buildings are now lawful as certificates of lawfulness were granted for these.

“However, there are three outstanding agricultural buildings which are not lawful, and an enforcement notice was served in May 2018 requiring their removal,” members were told.

“This notice was appealed in November 2019 and is currently being held in abeyance by the Planning Inspectorate, initially for an Environmental Statement to be submitted, but latterly due to delays at Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) and with Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

The building considered by planners, described as a foot trimming area and workshop, and a feed and mineral store in a 2015 application is now described as a storage and maintenance building.

Objections were previously raised by Nevern Community Council at the retrospective nature of the scheme.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Wynne Harries of Harries Planning Design Management stressed no livestock would be kept at the building, and there have been no increase in livestock for over a decade.

The recommendation to approve was moved by Cllr Peter Morgan, seconded by Cllr Di Clements, who expressed her sadness and disappointment that proper planning process had not been followed.

Mr Harries said: “My clients are equally disappointed about the amount of time this has taken.”

He said attempts to mitigate the situation through nutrient management plans and wildlife corridors and the delays involved had been a frustrating experience.

“Our frustration has been with NRW, it’s been terribly frustrating, even with an environmental impact assessment on the table.”

He finished: “I feel Mr and Mrs Watkins have been unfairly treated by NRW.”

Members backed the officer recommendation with one abstention.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

3 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

26 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.

Community

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

43 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.