News

Campsite toilet block can stay after planning battle

Published

4 months ago

August 24, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE campsite toilet/shower block built without planning permission will be able to stay at a county farm, in part due to the support of a former council leader.

Mrs Hodge of Simpson Hill Farm, Simpson Cross, near Haverfordwest had applied to Pembrokeshire planners for a Lawful Development Certificate for the block, saying it had been on the land and in the same use for over a decade.

An application for a certificate of lawful development allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of use over a prolonged period, normally in excess of four years.

A supporting statement through agent Harries Planning Design Management said: “The evidence provided seeks to demonstrate that the toilet/shower block has been on site for over 10 years and therefore constitutes lawful development. Therefore, logically the only reason a toilet/shower block would be located within a field in the countryside would be to support a campsite which has been in operation for as long as the toilet block has been in situ.”

In a supporting letter, former council leader and Camrose County Councillor Jamie Adams, of Keyston Hill Farm, said: “I have lived at the above address for over 50 years and have actively farmed for the last 40 years.

“We have, on occasion, had animals stray onto the neighbouring land which is the campsite run by the late Mr Bert Lavis, so I have witnessed first-hand the active use of the land over at least 30 years for camping.

“The site has been in active use to the present day and by passing regularly on the Simpsons Cross to Nolton Haven Cross road I have again witnessed patrons entering and exiting the campsite.”

An officer report, recommending the granting of the certificate, said a similar certificate of lawfulness for the use of land as a campsite, made last year, was refused.

On the toilet block, it said: “Dated aerial photography, and dated photographs of the toilet/shower block provided by the applicant support the submission.

“A letter in support of the submission was provided by Cllr Adams, whilst this considers the use of the land the building operations are sited within, it does not consider the building operations subject to this application specifically.

“Based on the information available, planning statement and dated photographs, it is considered on the balance of probability that the building operations comprising of the laying of a gravel hardstanding, erection of a toilet/shower block building and associated drainage infrastructure, has existed for a period in excess of four years.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.