News

Organic food producer gets expansion thumbs-up against officer recommendations

Published

2 years ago

February 4, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a north Pembrokeshire organic food producer to expand its business have been backed despite a recommendation to refuse due fears about the impact it would have on an ancient monument.

Cilgerran-based Southern Roots Organics, through agent Llyr Evans Planning Ltd, sought permission for three polytunnels for agricultural use at land near Penrallt, Felindre Farchog.

The application would increase the number on site from an existing five to support the growing business, but the January 31 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee was recommended to refuse.

The main reason was due to the visual impact when viewed from the Scheduled Ancient Monument of Carningli, some three kilometres away.

Carningli, which features the remains of one of the largest hillforts in west Wales, is also associated with the Celtic saint Brynach, said to have talked with animals and birds.

Three letters raised concerns about the proposal, raising concerns on the existing impact on views from Carningli, while 12 letters of support were received, praising the quality of the operation in growing local and sustainable food.

Speaking at the meeting, Adam Payne of Southern Roots Organics said a significant investment had been made in the business, which currently employs three people and hoped to employ three more if permission was granted.

“The business is heading in the right direction, but we’re not there yet,” he told planners.

Members heard Southern Roots Organics supplies around 20 well-known restaurants, cafes, farm shops, caterers and a local organic wholesaler, and more recently started supplying a national wholesaler, and has “developed a reputation for reliable high-quality fresh produce,” with demand continuing to rise.

Polytunnel space has become a limiting factor in the businesses’ development, Mr Payne said, adding: “If we are unable to put up polytunnels our business would be in jeopardy, there’s a significant investment which would be stifled if we were unable to expand.

“We try to do something good for our area and believe we are doing it no harm.”

He argued the actual impact from the polytunnels would be low, smaller than most agricultural buildings, adding: “Just because it’s visible doesn’t mean it’s a harm.”

Councillor Rhys Jordan stressed that “policy is there for a good reason,” but added: “I’m struggling with affecting someone’s growing business, I am struggling to support officers’ decision on this one.

“How many complaints would come in from someone from that viewpoint? Are we really spoiling the vista from that viewpoint?”

Moving approval, against officer recommendation, Dr Rosetta Plummer said: “Clearly there is an amplification of scale but when it comes to a judgement of balance there’s a need to provide a livelihood and get organic foods; a tough balance but I will be objecting to the officers’ recommendation, moving for approval, and I’m happy to do that.”

The call to go against officer recommendations was approved by 14 votes to one, with one abstention.

As the decision against officer recommendation was an interpretation of policy, rather than strictly against policy, no ‘cooling-off’ period, meaning the application would have to be revisited, was invoked.

The application was conditionally approved.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

53 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

58 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.