Community
2000 affordable homes target in proposed council planning changes
A FORMAL consultation on changes to Pembrokeshire’s local development plan, with an ambition to create nearly 2,000 affordable homes, is to go ahead.
At an extraordinary council meeting taking place on September 13, councillors approved a public consultation on the Replacement Pembrokeshire County Council Local Development Plan (2017-2033) – LDP 2, Deposit Plan 2.
The consultation will take place later this year and run for a minimum of six weeks.
The Local Development Plan (LDP) sets out the local policy framework for determining planning applications and directing growth in the part of Pembrokeshire for which the county council has planning jurisdiction.
The report and proposal for a consultation was presented – and the recommendation moved – by Cabinet Member for Planning & Regulatory Services Cllr Jacob Williams, who tempted fate and superstition by pointing out that not only was the meeting being held on Friday 13, but the recommendation in the report was on page 13.
The report for members stated: “Pembrokeshire County Council’s current LDP was adopted in 2013 and has an end date of 2021, although it remains in force as the adoption of the plan pre-dated the formal introduction of statutory end dates for LDPs in Wales.
“Nonetheless the current LDP is now more than 11 years old and the need to prepare and adopt a replacement LDP is paramount, in order to make provision for the new growth needed to support communities and businesses up until 2033 and to protect and enhance Pembrokeshire’s environment.”
The new LDP2 includes a 60/40 per cent split between new dwellings proposed in the urban and rural areas, with a target of 5,840 dwellings, 2,000 of them affordable.
There are three strategic residential allocations made by LDP 2: Slade Lane, Haverfordwest; Maesgwynne, Fishguard; and South of Conway Drive, Steynton, intended to provide 622 new dwellings between them.
In town centre developments, protected retail frontages are retained but their extent has generally been reduced, with no residential use at ground floor level in the primary frontages, residential use above ground floor level being supported.
Two solar array allocations are included in the plan, at Llanstadwell and Wolfscastle, and a coastal change policy, which limits development in areas vulnerable to flooding due to sea-level rise.
A new policy on water quality, including protection of water resources, is also included, responding to the river water quality issues in the Cleddau and Teifi catchments.
Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said there was a need for additional affordable housing, expressing his frustration at some developers “trying to chip away” affordable housing promises in developments.
The consultation is expected to be launched later this autumn.
Community
West Wales eco centre honoured with commemorative plaque
A NEW commemorative plaque is set to be unveiled in Newport, Pembrokeshire, celebrating a landmark achievement in the UK’s journey towards sustainable energy. The plaque, located on The Old School building on Lower St Mary Street, marks the site of the first and smallest commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the UK, which began feeding electricity into the national grid on 11th October 1996.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024, at 2:30 pm, and aims to honour the contributions of the West Wales Eco Centre, a pioneering charity that was once housed in this building. Established in 1980, the Eco Centre played a crucial role in promoting innovative solutions to combat climate change long before they became mainstream.
In addition to installing the groundbreaking solar PV panels, the Centre was instrumental in launching several other forward-thinking initiatives. These included the UK’s first bulk purchase insulation scheme and the establishment of West Wales’ first bottle bank. The Centre was also a hub for environmental education and provided energy advice, helping to raise awareness of climate change challenges. It trained and employed local individuals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues.
The people of Newport and the wider Pembrokeshire area take great pride in the legacy of the West Wales Eco Centre, which stood at the forefront of environmental activism and education. The plaque serves not just as a marker of past achievements, but as an enduring reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Following the unveiling, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and thank those who were involved in these pioneering efforts. Tea and cake will be provided at the Golden Lion, bringing the community together in celebration of this significant milestone in the history of sustainable energy in the UK.
Community
UK’s favourite childhood holiday spots include Tenby
NEW research has uncovered the most beloved childhood holiday destinations across the UK, with many Britons returning to their nostalgic haunts well into adulthood.
A survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk found that 68% of respondents had revisited their childhood staycation spots as adults, making an average of 4.5 return trips. For over half of those polled, these cherished locations held a special place in their hearts, with 51% describing them as their “happy place”.
Topping the list of favourite childhood destinations was the picturesque Cornish town of St Ives, followed closely by Whitby in North Yorkshire and Weymouth in Dorset.Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, commented: “Our research shows that many of us keep these childhood memories close for life, even bringing our families along for the adventure in the future.”The study also revealed the enduring appeal of these destinations beyond the peak summer season.
In St Ives, visitors can enjoy the town’s artistic heritage at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate St Ives during the quieter months. Whitby comes alive in autumn with its famous goth festival and ghost tours, while Weymouth offers brisk walks along its golden beaches and exploration of the historic Nothe Fort.
Other popular childhood haunts included Tenby in Pembrokeshire, known for its colourful harbour and Blue Flag beaches, and Cromer in Norfolk, famed for its traditional pier and delicious crab dishes.Brixham in Devon and Seahouses in Northumberland rounded out the top destinations, offering family-friendly attractions and opportunities for wildlife spotting even in the off-season.Keary added: “Although the winter seasons can be quieter for some popular destinations, especially seaside towns, the new seasons bring a completely different perspective to the areas, with activities you are likely to experience in the summer months.”This research highlights the lasting impact of childhood holidays on British travellers, with many choosing to recreate fond memories by returning to their favourite spots year after year.
Community
Poignant Lancaster Relic donated to Heritage Centre, honoring local WWII hero
A WARTIME Pembrokeshire airman is especially remembered in this the 80th anniversary year of D-Day thanks to a unique and poignant donation to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.
Trevor Hordley of Pembroke Dock was the pilot of a Lancaster bomber shot down over France in July 1944, soon after the D-Day invasion of Occupied Europe. A section of metal from his aircraft was secreted away from the occupying German forces and in 2013 was given to members of Trevor’s family attending commemorative events held annually in the French community of Serifontaine, near Beauvais.
Five of the Lancaster’s crew, including Trevor, are buried in a Beauvais cemetery.
Now, 11 years on, Trevor’s daughter, Christine – who was born after her father was killed – has donated the relic to the Heritage Centre.
Trevor’s niece and nephew, Pauline Cole and Peter Hordley, were joined by family members when they presented the metal section to the Centre’s team on Christine’s behalf.
Efforts are already underway to try and identify where the piece came from on a Lancaster. Plans are to exhibit it alongside an existing information panel telling Trevor Hordley’s story. He was one of over 55,000 Bomber Command aircrew lost on operations in World War II.
The family have also donated the wartime suitcase and other items belonging to Pauline and Peter’s father, Roy Hordley – one of the three brothers who went to war from their home in Pembroke Dock. Only two returned.
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