News

Narberth housing development refused after major concerns

Published

4 months ago

August 24, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SCHEME for three houses behind a listed Georgian house in a Pembrokeshire town, which had raised the concerns of the local town council and 15 members of the public, has been refused by county planners.

Sarah Voaden, through agent Robert Davies John West Ltd, sought permission for three three-bed houses on land to the rear of Llwynon, 61 St James Street, Narberth.

A supporting statement said: “The detail and content of the proposal has been well considered and pays good regard to physical constraints/opportunities presented by the site, the character of the area, respects the scale, form, height and appearance of the neighbouring buildings and its wider sensitive heritage setting.”

It says it is not practical to provide affordable housing on the site but a financial contribution of £38,156.25 would be appropriate, adding: “There is no objection to this in principle and a Unilateral Agreement and Certificate of Title will be completed during the application process.”

It concludes: “There are utility connections available within the locality and appropriate sustainable drainage arrangements can be incorporated into the scheme. However, it is recognised there is a current issue with the potential impact of new development on phosphate levels in certain rivers which could be addressed by a future upgrading of the local wastewater treatment works. A Grampian-style condition could be imposed by the council.”

Narberth Town Council’s planning committee has objected to the planning application “as they are extremely concerned over the access for ingress and egress of the neighbouring properties, particularly at the entrance to Tabernacle Lane”.

In its objection, the town council adds: “The council believe that this is an unadopted road and that the entrance into the development is insufficient. The town council notes that there is a children’s nursery in the vicinity, which is heavily used, and the additional properties will increase the amount of traffic which could potentially cause a serious incident. The town council fear that the underground infrastructure may not be able to cope with the demand of three extra properties and feel that the plans do not clearly outline the collection of waste sewage which is a major concern in Narberth.

“The town council believe that this development is overcrowding of the area and is not in keeping with the character of the town.”

15 letters of objection were also received, raising concerns including highway safety and the potential impact on the local nursery, drainage issues, noise and pollution, with one letter of support, saying it would be a good use of the land.

An officer report recommending refusal said the financial commitment to an affordable housing contribution had been offered in principle, but added: “Whilst it is considered that the applicant shows a commitment to making the financial contribution the original signed copies have not been provided to date and as such the application is contrary [to policy].”

It also said the application failed to comply with foul and surface water discharge policies.

Community

Police and council in collaborative effort to tackle fly grazing

Published

2 mins ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IT WAS confirmed this week Pembrokeshire County council is teaming up with Dyfed-Powys Police in a bid to tackle a growing problem of horses on public areas in the county.

The move comes after the County has witnessed a significant increase in incidents of horses being left on public land and highways – known as fly-grazing.

Over the Christmas period the agencies will work operationally in a collaborative effort to alleviate the issue.

This joint approach is in response to community concerns and part of a wider initiative that will enable partner agencies to effectively address with the issue.

Members of the public can report fly grazing concerns by contacting [email protected] or 01437 764551.

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.