News

Campsite toilet block can stay after planning battle

Published

1 year 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

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.