Plans to install automatic number plate recognition cameras and associated works at the new Home Bargains store in Pembroke Dock to “reduce car park abuse” have been given the go-ahead.

Applicant ParkingEye Ltd sought permission to install the ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera along with signage and associated works at the new Home Bargains store, Llanion Park.

The application, supported by Pembroke Dock Town Council, said: “The site is currently used as a car park with 99 parking bays including disabled bays. The proposal seeks to provide management of the existing car park to reduce car park abuse and ensure that spaces are available for genuine site users.”

It added: “The proposed development will have a minimal impact on the local landscape character and no landscape elements would be lost as a result of the construction and installation of an ANPR car park management system.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

Back in March, Home Bargains owner TJ Morris Limited was given permission for external works to the former Wilkinson Stores, with a new shopfront, new goods doors and refurbishment works, along with the installation of condensers and associated works.

Home Bargains has become one of the biggest privately-owned companies in the UK and has more than 550 stores, with plans to expand to over 1,000.

A supporting statement for that application said: “The site currently comprises a vacant retail unit formerly occupied by Wilko.  The submitted application looks to bring forward modest refurbishment works to enable the store to be occupied by the national variety discounter, Home Bargains (HB), the trading arm of TJ Morris Ltd (TJM).”

The Pembroke Dock Wilko store closed last September, after operating in the town for 15 years, along with the Haverfordwest branch, after the retail chain entered administration.

A GROUNDBREAKING initiative, “AI in Wales,” has been launched by Welsh Parliament Member Tom Giffard in collaboration with the Global AI Industry Ecosystem Association, Deep Knowledge Group. This initiative aims to showcase Wales’ burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, with a particular focus on healthcare, technology, and economic revitalisation.

The “AI in Wales” platform and report, unveiled on May 29th, 2024, provides a comprehensive overview of the AI landscape in Wales. It includes detailed profiles, mindmaps, and databases of 50 companies, 40 investors, and 5 hubs, highlighting Wales’ unique contributions to the field of AI..

Key Objectives and Vision

Tom Giffard expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “I welcome the launch of Deep Knowledge Group’s report into the AI landscape in Wales. The report outlines the potential advantages of AI technology in our Welsh economy and the opportunities a strong AI ecosystem could offer, with encouraging analysis of the current landscape whilst carefully considering future challenges.”

Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner of Deep Knowledge Group, also emphasised the significance of this collaboration: “As firm believers in the transformative potential of AI, we are proud to collaborate with Welsh Parliament Member Tom Giffard on the ‘AI in Wales’ initiative. This tie-up underscores our shared vision of harnessing AI technologies to empower communities, drive economic prosperity, and foster sustainable development. Together, we are poised to unlock new opportunities and shape the future of AI in Wales and beyond.”

The Growing AI Ecosystem in Wales

Wales is witnessing significant growth in its AI ecosystem, particularly in the private and public sectors. Key areas of advancement include healthcare and technology, where AI is set to revolutionise various aspects of these fields. The initiative highlights AI’s potential to drive economic revitalisation in Wales, especially in advanced manufacturing, digital health, and fintech sectors.

Strategic Focus Areas

The “AI in Wales” initiative aims to:

• Catalyse Cross-Sector Collaboration: By fostering partnerships between government, academia, industry, and civil society, the initiative seeks to leverage AI-driven solutions to address societal challenges such as climate change, healthcare disparities, and digital inclusion.
• Promote Economic Growth: The initiative emphasises the economic benefits of AI, which include enhancing productivity, fostering new business models, and driving sustainable growth.
• Develop AI Talent and Infrastructure: Investing in AI talent development and infrastructure is critical to positioning Wales as a global hub for technology and innovation.
• Advance AI Policy and Governance: 2024 marks significant strides in AI policy development, focusing on skills, partnerships, and digital platforms. The Welsh Government’s updated strategies highlight the importance of user-centric digital services and partnership-driven innovation in AI.

Key Takeaways

• Welsh AI Ecosystem’s Growth: Wales is seeing notable advancements in its AI ecosystem, particularly in healthcare and technology.
• AI’s Economic Impact: AI offers substantial opportunities for economic revitalisation, aligning with global trends towards digitalisation.
• Engagement and Education: Targeted awareness and educational programs are essential to demystify AI and demonstrate its practical benefits.
• Policy and Governance Evolution: The Welsh Government’s strategies emphasise user-centric digital services and partnership-driven innovation.
• Sector-Specific AI Applications: AI’s potential spans diverse sectors, revolutionising workflows and fostering new business models.
• Opportunities for Strategic Collaboration: The development of AI in Wales hinges on cooperative efforts across sectors.

As the “AI in Wales” initiative progresses, Deep Knowledge Group and Tom Giffard are committed to engaging with stakeholders across academia, industry, and government. This collaborative effort aims to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and realise the full potential of AI in Wales and beyond.

For more information and updates on the “AI in Wales” initiative, stay tuned to The Pembrokeshire Herald.

PLANS to update a wine and bar bistro at a north Pembrokeshire seaside village that was once part of an industrial complex at the heart of the county’s slate industry are expected to be approved.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, at its June 5 development management committee, is recommended to approve an application by Mrs Jones for works at the Grade-II-listed The Shed Wine Bar & Bistro, Porthgain, including a covered outside seating area, an upgraded wind break, a bird nesting box, and installation of extraction fan (in retrospect).

The application, along with a related listed building consent call, is before the committee because the building, known as Ty Mawr and The Shed, is owned by the Park.

A supporting statement accompanying the application says: “The Shed is a popular food and drink establishment that has operated from the site for approximately 20 years and as such is a foci for the wider settlement providing employment and services to the local community and underpinning the tourist draw of this popular coastal location. The business operates from an extension to a former industrial building located in the heart of the village adjacent to the harbour.”

It adds: “The underlying design principle of the lean-to is to effect the sensitive expansion of the building to provide a covered external seating area to the host business that will be faithful to the historic form of the historic asset. The underlying design principle behind the other elements is to achieve operational and biodiversity improvements in a manner that will have the most discreet impact on the heritage asset.”

When the building was listed it was said it may have served as part of the Porthgain Granite Slab and Brick Company founded in 1893 and liquidated in 1895.

The supporting statement adds: “Historically, the value of the building is more significant as, irrespective of its original purpose Ty Mawr is obviously at the heart of the Pembrokeshire slate industry which thrived during the 19th century industrial boom and which Porthgain was an important element.

“The subsequent dereliction of the building in the 20th century and its (partial) re-use in its current form are clearly reflective of the changing fortunes of the north Pembrokeshire rural economy tending from industrial undertakings to modern tourism.”

One letter of support, and one of objection, to the plans have been received, the latter raising concerns including traffic and parking issues.

An officer report recommending approval says: “The proposal is considered to offer appropriately designed enhancements to a well-established facility within a defined rural centre. The proposal is acceptable in terms of preserving the character and appearance of the Listed Building and Conservation Area. Subject to appropriate conditions to control the extraction fan and lighting, the proposal is considered acceptable in terms of potential impacts on amenity and biodiversity.”