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Politics

New leader and deputy leader of the Independent Group (IPG) elected

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PEMBROKESHIRE’S largest council political group has elected new leaders today, May 8, who promise to be “a critical friend” of the ruling administration rather than “opposing for the sake of opposition”.

Councillor Huw Murphy of Newport & Dinas Ward and Cllr Anji Tinley of Garth Ward, Haverfordwest said they are both “delighted and honoured” to be elected as the new leader and deputy leader of the Independent Group (IPG).

In a joint statement they said: “The IG whilst in opposition will play a critical role in holding any administration to account, but will also support policies that are to the betterment of the lives of Pembrokeshire residents.

“The IG will not oppose for the sake of opposition but will always be a critical friend in representing the views and concerns of county residents, wherever they reside, be it fighting against public toilet closures or speaking up in strong support of retaining critical care at Withybush Hospital, to name but two.

“The IG will challenge decisions made which have a negative impact on residents where they believe alternative options exist and will challenge and scrutinise policy decisions when a change of priorities for the authority should be considered, when working with finite resources.”

The issue of Welsh language representation was also raised on the eve of the May 10 council leadership battle between unaffiliated councillor Jon Harvey and leader of the Conservative group Di Clements, following leader Cllr David Simpson announcing he is to step down.

“It has not gone unnoticed that the soon-to-be-former administration led by Cllr David Simpson has no fluent Welsh speakers and few councillors in Cabinet and senior roles (such as Chair & Vice Chair of Council and Presiding Member) that represent the northern or indeed the rural areas of Pembrokeshire.

“Indeed, most Cabinet members are from South Pembrokeshire, and will this change after Friday?

“The IG sincerely hopes that the new Cabinet formed by whoever becomes Leader on Friday will form a Cabinet to better reflect the cultural and geographical identities of Pembrokeshire thereby recognising the importance of Pembrokeshire’s rural economy and with it the Welsh Language as both are very much intertwined. Action does speak louder than words.”

They added: “The IG is a political group which places the needs of Pembrokeshire residents at the heart of their decision making, not beholden to any political party whose national policies may not always align with what’s best for Pembrokeshire.”

They also promised to work towards a “positive change” for Pembrokeshire people.

“The role of the IG is to work towards creating a positive change within Pembrokeshire to improve the lives of residents and enhance opportunities for everybody irrespective of their background. This can only be attained through open and honest dialogue with fellow councillors and not through frivolous sound-bite politics.

“There needs to be an improvement in political behaviour, and the recent elections in England which saw a considerable increase in the number of independent councillors being elected indicates a clear disconnect with mainstream political parties.

“Pembrokeshire is a wonderful county with much to be proud of, but the council also faces significant pressures that can only be dealt with through working together to make it an even more vibrant and inclusive place to live, work and visit.

“[We] are confident that the IG will be integral to the development of lasting solutions to the many issues and concerns held by residents which can be achieved through collaboration and fostering innovation to create a better today and a positive legacy for future generations.

“The IG since the elections of May 2022 is the only political group within PCC to have grown in numbers to reflect all areas of Pembrokeshire from the more urban/industrial areas of South Pembrokeshire to the rural and more Welsh speaking heartland of Preseli Pembrokeshire with talented councillors from a diverse range of backgrounds and there is every belief that over time the IPG will continue to grow in numbers.”

Cllr Murphy replaces IPG leader Jamie Adams, leader of the council from 2012-17, and leader of the now-17-strong IPG in opposition from 2017-’24, while Cllr Anji Tinley replaces Cllr Elwyn Morse.

Cllr Murphy and Cllr Tinley extended their thanks for the appreciation and support from their predecessors, adding: “We look forward to their ongoing contribution to PCC debates in the weeks, months and years ahead,” saying of Cllr Adams: “His oratory and debating skills in chamber are very well known and respected both within Pembrokeshire and further afield”.

Politics

Greyhound racing set to be banned as Welsh Government plans confirmed

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THE WELSH Government has announced plans for Wales to become the first nation in the UK to ban greyhound racing.

Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister, told the Senedd that a ban will come into force as soon as practicably possible.

He said: “There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry around the racetrack, can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs currently within the industry, the local community and the local economy.”

In a statement on February 18, Mr Irranca-Davies pointed to cross-party support and a petition signed by more than 35,000 calling for a ban on greyhound racing.

Senedd Members from across the political divide supported a ban during a debate last week. Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach is the last remaining track in Wales.

Caerphilly MS Hefin David has called on the Welsh Government to consider the flood impact a ban could have if the greyhound track closed.

He said: “The track in Ystrad Mynach is on a flood plain and I understand that the owners have introduced flood mitigation, as well as clearing up following flooding.

“A ban would close the track, leaving derelict land on a flood plain adjacent to my constituency.

“Any implementation group planned by the Welsh Government must consider this and any financial commitment required to remediate the land.”

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs
Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs

In December, New Zealand – where the industry is worth £73m a year and employs 1,000 people – announced plans for a ban due to injuries and the deaths of dogs.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “We also note what is happening in other countries across the world who are taking steps to ban this activity.

“As a result, I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales – we are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”

Mr Irranca-Davies explained the next step will be setting up an implementation group to advise the Welsh Government on how a ban will come into force.

He told the Senedd: “I’m pleased to share with the Senedd that I have seen the strength of feeling on this and I have listened.”

The Conservatives’ Peter Fox said his party’s members would have a free vote on the issue, with his colleague Andrew RT Davies warning greyhound racing could go underground.

Mr Fox added that he would visit the greyhound track to take a balanced view on the plans but he added: “I think the evidence is very, very powerful.”

Llyr Gruffydd welcomed the announcement, pledging Plaid Cymru’s support and questioning if it will be possible to pass legislation due to a mounting logjam before the 2026 election.

He said: “But you did say you wanted it to happen ‘as soon as possible’ and therein lies the small print, I suppose, because the government does need to show diligence and an adherence to proper process otherwise you leave yourself open to challenge.”

Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd
Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd

Mr Gruffydd also stressed the need to consider the potential unintended consequences such as illicit, unregulated racing or dogs being raced across the border.

Mr Irranca-Davies agreed about the need to avoid the risk of jeopardising animal welfare, saying a clearer timetable will be set out in the spring.

Labour’s Carolyn Thomas said: “There are well over 35,000 people who are pleased and relieved to hear this statement today, banning greyhound racing in Wales.”

Labour MS Carolyn Thomas
Labour MS Carolyn Thomas

Ms Thomas, who chairs the Senedd’s petitions committee and cross-party group on animal welfare, added: “I feel we’re really leading the way here…. This is a good day for thousands of animals in Wales and I’m so excited and so pleased to hear this.”

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds, who has a rescue greyhound called Wanda, said: “I have to say, there are not many times where I stand up in the Siambr and I’m smiling.

“But this is one of those days. This is a landmark statement, it does very clearly demonstrate the commitment that Wales has to looking after our animals.”

Ms Dodds, whose first rescue greyhound called Arthur died in 2023, paid tribute to the “Cut the Chase” coalition of charities for their campaigning on the issue.

Jane Dodds with Arthur, her late adopted greyhound
Jane Dodds with Arthur, her late adopted greyhound

She told the Senedd: “I also want to pay tribute to all those greyhounds who’ve gone before and all those who will come after as well.”

The Mid and West Wales Senedd member said Arthur was traumatised by his experiences. 

“I learned a lot from him,” she said. “He could sleep at 100 miles an hour but he was absolutely devastated by his experiences on the track.

“And we lost him three years later – far, far too early.”

Ms Dodds said: “Many of us have seen the trauma and the injuries … their suffering has been needless, their abuse has been unnecessary and their pain has been unavoidable.

“But, from today, we need to mark this in the sand and make sure that this stops.”

Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said: “This announcement has nothing to do with greyhound welfare and everything to do with pressure from the extreme animal rights movement.

“The Welsh Government’s own summary of consultation responses highlighted the lack of evidence to support the case for a ban on the sport. This summary made clear there has been a coordinated campaign against licensed greyhound racing, seeking to drown out the voice of local people including those whose livelihoods rely on the sport.

“Questions should be asked as to why, despite repeated requests, the minister has failed to meet with the industry in Wales, or its regulator, and preempted his own timeline to make this call.

“Meanwhile, the minister has engaged on numerous occasions with campaign groups known to use shock tactics and misleading information to achieve their ends.

“We have engaged in the consultation process in good faith as regulator for the sport, but this statement is hugely disappointing and will do absolutely nothing to support greyhound welfare.”

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News

High court quashes Pembrokeshire council’s planning approval

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Judge rules council failed to justify decision on Heritage Park expansion

THE HIGH COURT has quashed Pembrokeshire County Council’s approval of a controversial holiday lodge development at Heritage Park, Pleasant Valley, Narberth, ruling that the council failed to provide adequate reasons for granting permission against its own planning policies.

The case, brought by local residents’ group SPVRG Limited, challenged the council’s decision to approve the extension of the existing caravan park. The plans, submitted by Heritage Leisure Development (Wales) Limited, proposed 48 new holiday lodges, a spa, holiday apartments, a café, cycle hire, equestrian stables, and other facilities.

The court heard that the development conflicted with the county’s Local Development Plan (LDP), particularly Policy GN 19, which restricts the expansion of caravan sites to within settlement boundaries. The council’s own planning officers had recommended refusal due to the development’s location outside these boundaries.

Despite this, the planning committee voted in favour of the scheme, citing its potential economic benefits. When the decision was referred to the full council, members endorsed it without providing written reasons, prompting the legal challenge.

Judge Jarman KC ruled that the council had “failed to grapple with” key issues, including the project’s sustainability and its potential negative impact on existing tourism businesses. The court found that the council did not properly explain how the economic benefits outweighed the policy conflicts.

The judgment also criticised the decision-making process, noting that the council’s reasoning was simply to endorse the planning committee’s decision without addressing concerns raised in later reports. The court ruled that this major departure from planning policy could set a dangerous precedent.

As a result, the council’s approval has been overturned, and the matter will now be reconsidered. The ruling means the development cannot proceed unless the council provides a legally sound justification for granting permission.

The case has reignited debate over the balance between economic growth and environmental protection in Pembrokeshire’s tourism sector. The Herald understands that SPVRG Limited and other campaigners are calling for stricter adherence to planning policies to prevent unchecked expansion of holiday parks in rural areas.

Pembrokeshire County Council has yet to comment on whether it will attempt to reapprove the development or if it will accept the court’s decision and refuse permission.

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News

Barber and salon plans for Haverfordwest car valet site

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RETROSPECTIVE plans to change a Pembrokeshire car sales/valet area to include a barber shop and tanning salon have been submitted to the county council.

Zizo Barbers & Affordable Cars, of Cambrian Place, Haverfordwest are seeking permission for the change of use of previously granted valet and car sales area, the works completed in 2024.

A supporting statement through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said the former commercial garage business has been operating in several guises from the premises for many years and has included petrol sales, motor servicing and repairs, MoTs, vehicle valeting, car sales and customer parking.

This followed on from a 2011 permission for the partial demolition of the original commercial garage, with a later approval for the site refurbishment to provide a workshop, valeting and offices for the existing car sales, allowing a maximum of 20 cars.

A later application restricting that to seven cars; leading to the applicant being informed in 2024 by a planning enforcement there was a breach of that condition.

The statement says: “With the current proposal to replace the commercial valeting with a barber shop and tanning salon and limiting any washing and valeting of vehicles to those cars for sale, and with a former consent allowing the display of up to 20 vehicles, it is considered that the limit of seven vehicles is unreasonably restrictive for this town centre site.”

It adds: “The proposed update to a change of use involves the replacement of a car valeting service, which took place under a covered area at the rear of the site by a wash and valet operation – and restricting this service to those cars being sold at the Cambrian Place site. The use of a former office / store as a barber shop. The use of the former customer waiting area as a tanning salon including a new moveable timber shed for use as a meet and greet facility and as a car sales office. Provision of a communal parking area. Whilst retaining the principal use of the site for the sale of used cars.

“It is therefore suggested that the proposal will reduce both the elements of noise and the generation of dust whilst improving air quality as substantially fewer cars being power washed and valeted as well as the visual impact of these activities in this very public location – and with adjacent residential properties.”

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