PLANS to convert a vandalised former Pembrokeshire town centre Chinese restaurant to a flat and bedsits which were expected to be approved have been put on hold after concerns about the impact on a neighbouring property.

In an application recommended for approval, the January 13 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Mr S Sahin and Miss S Ahmed, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, seek permission for a change of use of Grade-II-listed 20 Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven from the former Mandarin Restaurant to one flat and eight bedsits, an amendment of an original scheme which included one extra bedsit.

The scheme, in the town’s conservation area, was before committee rather than delegated to officers as it was recommended for approval despite being contrary to a policy of the development plan.

The application for the Mandarin follows a withdrawn scheme for three flats deemed invalid by council planners.

A supporting statement said: “The property has historically been in use as a Chinese restaurant on the ground floor with two flats on the upper floors of the building. The ground floor use of the building ceased some 10 years ago and currently lies vacant. Due to the lack of use of the building, it is in a very poor condition and has been the subject of unfortunate vandalism particularly to the interior of the building.”

It says that, after the previous scheme was withdrawn, the applicants have “since reviewed their position and now present revised applications to be considered by the council”.

It went on to say: “The clients have re-thought on what type of accommodation is needed and required in this part of Milford Haven,” adding: “The proposal is considered to put an important Grade-II-Listed Building back into beneficial use and would help to secure its long-term future. The proposal would represent a high-quality and sympathetic conversion and extension of the building, and which would make a positive contribution to the locality and conservation area status.”

An officer report recommending approval said one letter of objection was received raising concerns including potential impact on a neighbouring property and boundaries, and the discharge of the sewer under number 20.

At the meeting, member of the public Jessica Clarke raised concerns about the potential impact on her mother’s neighbouring property, with issues of height and massing, surface water discharge, and shared boundary walls, asking for a site visit before any decision was made.

Cllr Brian Hall, who moved a site visit, was one of several members who raised their concerns about potential impacts, members unanimously backing that move.

The application will return to a future planning meeting.

PEMBROKESHIRE Senedd Members Paul Davies MS and Samuel Kurtz MS have accused the Welsh Government of overlooking the county’s ports after a ministerial statement on the Irish Sea Taskforce failed to mention either Pembroke Dock or Fishguard.

The Irish Sea Taskforce was set up following the temporary closure of Holyhead Port in late 2024 after damage to its berths. The aim was to improve resilience across Welsh and Irish Sea routes, bringing together the Welsh and Irish governments, other UK administrations, local authorities and port, ferry and logistics operators.

But Pembrokeshire’s two MSs said the Transport Secretary’s written statement referenced Holyhead directly while making no specific mention of Fishguard Harbour or Pembroke Dock, despite their role as key ferry terminals and their importance to the regional economy.

During the Holyhead disruption, operators and passengers were forced to seek alternatives, placing additional focus on other Irish Sea routes. The politicians argued that Pembrokeshire’s ports should be recognised in Welsh Government plans for future contingencies, investment and long term connectivity.

The Welsh Government statement did acknowledge the need to look at further improvements to the A40 and A477 trunk roads through Pembrokeshire as part of wider resilience planning, including how disruption at ports is managed and how welfare needs for stranded drivers are met.

Commenting, Paul Davies MS said: “Pembrokeshire plays a strategically vital role in strengthening the long standing relationship between Wales and Ireland and so it’s disappointing that our local ports were not acknowledged in the Welsh Government’s latest statement on the Irish Sea Taskforce. These ports are critical to our regional economy, and they form an essential part of the wider UK Ireland connectivity network.

“Moving forward, I look forward to hearing more about how the Welsh Government will be improving the A40 to better support trade links between the two countries. I’ve long campaigned for the A40 to be dualled to Fishguard and I hope the Welsh Government will seriously consider this proposal, as a way of further strengthening the transport network in the region.”

Samuel Kurtz MS added: “Paul and I are deeply concerned that this Taskforce has not been given the same level of attention to the needs of the ports at Pembroke Dock and Fishguard as it has to Holyhead. These ports are central to the Pembrokeshire economy, they came to the rescue when Holyhead was forced to close, and their role and futures must not be overlooked, and I’ve raised this repeatedly on the floor of the Senedd.

“Sadly, yet again it seems that Pembrokeshire and all it can offer, is a blind spot for Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay.”

The Welsh Government said the Taskforce work will feed into a wider ports and maritime, freight and logistics plan, with further work also expected on contingency arrangements during disruption, including stacking and driver welfare measures. Ministers have also indicated they want closer ongoing engagement with the sector through a follow on council focused on logistics and freight.

The Herald has asked the Welsh Government whether it accepts Pembrokeshire’s ports should have been referenced directly in the Taskforce statement and what, if any, specific work is planned to support Fishguard Harbour and Pembroke Dock alongside road improvements on the A40 and A477.

LOCAL businesses are being urged to check their new rateable values immediately to understand whether recent changes could increase their business rates bills.

Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has warned that many firms may be unaware of how the updated valuations could impact them financially and is encouraging business owners to act quickly.

“Business rates are already a major burden for many local businesses,” Kurtz said. “With new rateable values now in place, it’s vital that businesses check their valuation as soon as possible to see whether it will affect what they pay. Too many businesses only realise there’s an issue when the bill arrives. Businesses can visit the VOA website and search their property by postcode or address.”

Rateable values are used to calculate business rates and are based on factors such as rental values and property use. Changes to these valuations can result in higher bills, even where a business has not expanded or increased turnover.

Kurtz stressed that early action is key, particularly for small and independent businesses operating on tight margins.

“Checking your rateable value early gives you time to understand the changes, seek advice, and challenge the valuation if it appears incorrect. Waiting could mean missed opportunities to reduce costs or appeal.”

Businesses are also being encouraged to attend the local information event online to better understand reliefs, exemptions, and the appeals process.

“At a time when costs are rising across the board, businesses need clarity and support, not surprises. I would urge every business owner to take a few minutes to check their rateable value and make sure it’s right.”

Samuel Kurtz MS has also written to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford MS, calling on the Welsh Government to follow the UK Labour Government’s apparent change of direction on business rates in England warning that rising rateable values are pushing Welsh businesses to the brink.

For more information on business rates and for a chance to attend the upcoming advice session with the Valuation Office Agency hosted by Kurtz and Paul Davies MS on the 26^th January, businesses are encouraged to register their interest on www.samuelkurtz.wales