Community

Pembrokeshire village’s seaside houses scheme approved

Published

2 years ago

March 30, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

NATIONAL park planners narrowly backed a scheme to build two large houses at a Pembrokeshire seaside village site, despite the objections of the local community council.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, meeting in January, were recommended to approve the scheme, submitted by an unnamed applicant through Bristol-based agent Pegasus Planning Group Ltd, for two four-bedroom detached dwellings at “a particularly large plot” at Mountain Ash Cottage, Sandy Hill Road, Saundersfoot.

At that meeting, members instead agreed to a site visit, held in mid February, with two new recommended conditions relating to the submission of a Construction Management Plan and removal of permitted development rights added to the application before the March planning meeting.

The scheme, which includes an affordable housing contribution of £140,360, was again recommended for approval.

The application had been reported to the Development Management Committee at committee chair Dr Madeleine Havard’s request, as Saundersfoot Community Council objected to the application, contrary to an officer recommendation for approval.

The site currently has planning permission for two new dwellings, with the demolition of a single property, which expires in November; the new scheme proposing to retain that property, adding two additional dwellings.

Saundersfoot Community Council objected to the plans, saying the scheme is potentially overpowering to neighbouring properties, and would cause major over-development of the area.

Objector, and neighbour, Andrew Milne – who spoke at both the January and March meetings – raised concerns about the designs and scale of the new proposal and visual impact it would have on his property, describing the original ‘fall-back’ scheme – which he didn’t object to – as “more sensitive”.

Chris Cox, on behalf of the applicants, said the scheme would offer a significantly higher affordable housing contribution over the “fall-back’ position, up from £38,000, adding that the applicant had responded positively with amended plans after previous concerns raised.

A report for committee members said: “The proposed development is considered acceptable in terms of the principle of the proposed new dwellings and will not have a detrimental impact on the character of the surrounding area or the residential amenity of any neighbouring properties in accordance with the policies of the Local Development Plan.”

At the meeting many members raised concerns they were “struggling” with the scheme, due to its location and size.

The application was passed by eight votes to six, with one abstention.

Community

Big Green Week to bring wildlife walks and community events to St Davids

Published

5 hours ago

May 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NATURE-LOVERS in west Wales are being invited to take part in a week of wildlife, gardening and climate-focused activities next month.

The Big Green Week on the St Davids Peninsula will run from Saturday, June 6, to Sunday, June 14, with events led locally by volunteer group EcoDewi.

The programme includes nature walks, moth watching, willow weaving, community gardening, wildlife workshops, a cathedral service and a garden trail.

Events begin with a “Moth breakfast” in Trefin, including a talk by Dr William Wint on British moths, followed by a family activity day at the new Community Green at Maes Glasfryn.

St Davids Cathedral will host a Big Green Service at 4:00pm on Sunday, June 7, while a willow weaving workshop will take place the following day in the community garden.

Other highlights include a Rebel Botanists Walk at St Davids airfield, a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, gardening sessions at Erw Dewi and Caeriad, and a Wildlife Day at Oriel y Parc.

The week will close with a walking trail giving visitors the chance to explore more than 25 private gardens in St Davids.

The Great Big Green Week is organised nationally by The Climate Coalition and led in Wales by Climate Cymru. It aims to celebrate local action on climate change and nature recovery.

Most events are free, although donations are welcomed.

EcoDewi is run by volunteers and works across the St Davids Peninsula on projects including beach cleans, tree planting, wildflower meadows, community gardens and the Peninsula food market.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

1 day ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Community

Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity

Published

1 day ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff

A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.

Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.

The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.

The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.

The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.

The full schedule is:

Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm

Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.

The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.

More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.