Community

29 homes planned for Pembrokeshire village development

Published

8 months ago

April 10, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A scheme for 29 houses, including two affordable units, in the north Pembrokeshire village of St Dogmaels, close to the Ceredigion border, has been submitted to county planners.

Whitland-based Obsidian Homes Ltd, through agent Amity Planning, is seeking permission for the development and associated works on agricultural land off Longdown Bank, towards the south-east of the village.

A supporting statement says: “We have a clear vision for this development site to provide 29 much-needed houses for the area along with providing affordable houses which again are much needed within the region.

“The scheme provides affordable housing units for the local population as well as open market sale units all contained within the site. The affordable units, in terms of architectural style and materials used, are completely indistinguishable from open market tenure. Affordable properties are located alongside the open market sale units to ensure a cohesive and mixed community of new residents.”

The units proposed range from two to five-bedroom types, which the applicants say will “go a long way to meeting the stock required in the local area,” with seven per cent of them, two, affordable units.

The scheme submitted – within the settlement boundary for St Dogmaels – follows a 2022 pre-application inquiry, addressing issues of pedestrian connectivity, landscaping, the impact on the Welsh language, and the mix of housing, the applicants state.

The applicants conclude: “This development will act as a natural continuation of the village and provide much-needed housing stock for the area alongside affordable units meeting the needs of local community. This comprised of residential development for up to 29 dwellings, green / blue infrastructure including new areas of green space that will incorporate ecological mitigation and habitat creation, retained woodland and trees, sustainable drainage features, trim trail informal play and recreation space.

“Sustainable drainage and ecology will play a key role in this scheme and the attenuation features will become an attractive place for residents. All the main design elements of this application have been considered and incorporated into this proposal.

“The units proposed range from two to five-bedroom types and will go a long way to meeting the stock required in the local area. This, coupled with seven per cent affordable units, will create a community and foster relationships between this new development and St Dogmaels as a whole. These affordable units are located alongside the open market sale types and are architecturally indistinguishable from open market sale types.

“Extensive areas of existing woodland and significant trees have been retained and incorporated into a green swathe running along the eastern boundary of the site. These form the framework for the development, with residential blocks running in line with the sloping contours.

“A new public open space will feature buffering the development from the east. This will incorporate a range of informal play spaces as well as a small trim trail like walk for residents as well as featuring swales and attenuation features.

“The development will reflect the character of St Dogmaels in terms of scale, massing and the range of materials used. Materials used across the site reflect those found in the context of the site helping to form a natural urban extension to St Dogmaels.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire p[lanners at a later date.

Community

Pembrokeshire town 4G phone mast plans withdrawn

Published

2 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a replacement 20-metre-high 4G phone mast tower in north Pembrokeshire, which the local town council says would have “an unacceptable adverse impact” on the national park’s beauty have been withdrawn.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cellnex, through agent Telent, sought permission to replace an existing 10m high mast with a new 20m 4G tower with three Vodafone antennae and nine mast head amplifiers, and associated works, on land at Dwr-y-Felin Farm, Fford Bedd Morris, Newport.

The application for a 4G mobile base station for the mobile network operator(s) (MNOs) Vodafone Ltd in conjunction with Cornerstone. The application site is owned / operated by Cellnex UK, a radio site infrastructure provider.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The proposed antenna height of 20m is essential to provide new 4G coverage and replacement 2G and 3G service provision to the surrounding area. 4G radio signals are more sensitive to physical obstructions than older technologies.

“This is because the higher the frequency band the greater the reduction in signal strength, increasing the likelihood of dropped calls and reduced data rates for internet browsing,” adding: “Generally, the higher the signal frequency the more it will be impacted by clutter. It is for this reason that there is the height of 20m is required.”

It went on to say it “should be noted that a radio base station within this location has already been considered acceptable and has become an established feature within the area and the proposed upgrade albeit different in design to support the latest equipment will not be of substantial or detrimental harm to the national park, conservation area or heritage assets”.

Newport Town Council had objected to the application, saying: “The proposed development (if approved in its current form) will have an unacceptable adverse impact on the qualities and special landscape and seascape character of the National Park and also on the special qualities of natural beauty and tranquillity.”

The application has now been withdrawn.

Community

Castle Ward Pupils Lead Anti-Social Behaviour Art Mural Project

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST HIGH VC SCHOOL welcomed a visit from County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who expressed his full support for the pupils’ efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour through an innovative Art Mural Project.

Councillor Tudor, representing the Castle Ward, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the area’s past struggles with anti-social behaviour in central commercial zones. “Engaging with pupils to address this issue through art is an extremely exciting venture,” he said.

The project has received a boost with £750 in funding secured from the Youth Bank initiative. Councillor Tudor commended the Youth Workers for their successful funding application, describing it as “a great achievement.”

The mural, spearheaded by pupils from the Youth Room and Haverfordwest High VC School, aims to inspire and engage the community while addressing a vital issue. “This exciting and innovative project will undoubtedly capture the imagination of those involved and reach out to all concerned,” Councillor Tudor added.

The initiative is set to bring a creative approach to community engagement and highlight the power of art in fostering positive change.

Photo caption: Castle Ward inspiration: Councillor Thomas Tudor supports the Art Mural Project (Pic: Suppled)

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Whether due to stress, loneliness, or financial strain, the festive season is not always a time of joy for everyone. To support those struggling this Christmas, Mind Cymru has shared carefully considered advice to help navigate the season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

For some, the holiday season can feel overwhelming:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate amidst personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs making the season harder to enjoy.

Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:

“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of year where our feelings are magnified, and not always in a positive way. Sometimes there are other, less joyous things going on in our lives that make taking time out to be ‘merry and bright’ feel like less of a celebration and more of a challenge. There are so many reasons why someone might not feel like celebrating this Christmas, and we just wanted to remind everyone that it’s ok to feel this way and that there is support available for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive season.”

Tips from Mind Cymru

Mind Cymru has shared the following tips for managing mental health over Christmas:

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself; it’s understandable to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to things that aren’t helpful.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related activities.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling.
Access online communities, like Mind’s Side by Side service, for support.
Communicate how others can help and what activities you’re comfortable with.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to potentially difficult questions ahead of time.
Discuss budgets and schedules with family to reduce stress.
Maintain distance if you must be around people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering environments if possible.
Check the opening hours of key services you may need during Christmas.
Ensure you have enough medication to last the holiday period.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling this Christmas, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open daily from 7pm to 11pm.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.