State-of-the-art 22-metre craft marks reset after £3.6m pilot boat controversy

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has taken delivery of a new 22-metre pilot vessel, marking a major investment in safety and operational capability on one of the UK’s busiest waterways.

The vessel, named Llanion, has arrived in Welsh waters following a successful delivery voyage from the Netherlands, where it was built by Next Generation Shipyards.

Designed specifically for pilotage operations, the new craft features a modern hull design, self-righting capability, and advanced safety systems, enabling it to operate in challenging conditions while supporting the safe movement of vessels across the Milford Haven Waterway.

Its arrival effectively brings to a close a long-running saga surrounding a previous generation of pilot boats built locally in Pembrokeshire at a reported cost of around £3.6 million. The Pembrokeshire Herald previously reported extensively on the issue, including a front-page story highlighting concerns about the vessels’ performance and suitability for operational use.

Those vessels were later withdrawn from frontline service following safety concerns raised by crews.

Since taking over as Chief Executive, Tom Sawyer has overseen a shift in direction at the Port, with a stronger emphasis on operational reliability, safety and long-term performance. The commissioning of Llanion is widely seen as part of that reset, addressing issues that had affected confidence in the pilot fleet.

Tom Sawyer said: “This project is a testament to collaboration and innovation. Working closely with our partners and our own technical teams, we now have a vessel that reflects the highest standards of design, safety and operational capability.

“Llanion will play a key role in supporting the safe and reliable movement of vessels on the Milford Haven Waterway for years to come.”

The new vessel is the result of a five-year collaboration between the Port of Milford Haven, naval architects BMT, Camarc Design and the Dutch shipyard, with Port teams closely involved throughout.

Dirk Keizer, Technical Director at Next Generation Shipyards, said the company was “extremely proud” to deliver the vessel, adding that it “excels in safety, performance and reliability.”

Ed Soothill, Technical Director at Camarc Design, said it was “wonderful to see Llanion arriving in Milford Haven,” while Steven Lee, Chief Naval Architect at BMT, described the vessel as “the Port’s next generation pilot boat.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s largest energy port and a key economic driver in Pembrokeshire, supporting thousands of jobs and handling a significant share of Britain’s oil and gas imports.

Photo caption:

New arrival: The Port of Milford Haven’s 22-metre pilot vessel Llanion (Pic: Port of Milford Haven).

A CALL to allow a former riding stables to keep a multi-purpose building built without permission has been allowed, but its new purpose for wedding venues will need a new application.

In an application submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Lawson & Penny Owen of LJP Owen Ltd, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought permission for a certificate of lawfulness for a multi-use building at Johns Barn, Nolton Stables, Nolton.

In application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period.

A supporting statement said the building had been used for a variety of purposes including a meet and greet use in connection with the operation of a family-owned riding stables, for various parties and occasions including birthday parties and for expansion with weddings and wedding receptions.

It added: “Mr Lawson Owen’s grandfather, along with his sons, started the stables early 1960s and his mum and dad ran the stables from 1975. Mr Owen left school in 1995 and LJP Owen Ltd took over running the stables from 2005 (Lawson, James and Penny). There is no planning history in respect of the construction of this mainly timber building which has been designed and used since 2016 for a variety of activities within Use Class D2, nor in respect of the subsequent extension, which was added by Summer 2020 and which contains a toilet block.

“Although the multi-purpose building was constructed to act as a meet and greet centre and toilets in conjunction with the established riding school / pony trekking centre based at Nolton Stables, the first use towards the end of December 2016 was to host a family event to which over 100 guests were invited.”

It said the facility predated other ventures at the site including a horse riding experience and ‘zorbing’ and segwaying.

It said that Covid restrictions in place from 2020 “resulted in the abandonment of pony trekking and hence the sale of the horses from Nolton Stables as it was economically impractical to feed and maintain the animals, saddles etc for an extended period when there was no income,” adding: “Zorbing and segwaying also had to cease because of the associated level of social contact.”

It went on to say: “The principal use of the building is now multi-purpose with wedding venue ceremonies now popular too and subsequent reception with a number of the guests staying in holiday accommodation in and around Nolton; some of which is currently managed by the applicants or to be developed by the applicants. (An application for nine holiday units is currently awaiting validation and processing by PCNP).”

An officer report in part supported the certificate of lawfulness, but felt the current use of the barn as a wedding venue, from 2022, “is considered to be a further change of use from the equine use to a sui generis use,” with a continuous period of use of for a longer period needed for that element of the ‘lawfulness’ application.

In granting the certificate of lawfulness for the building itself and equine use, it said: “The unauthorised building has a lawful equestrian activity use and any change of use from this has not yet become lawful,” adding the use as a wedding venue would require a separate planning application.

Council confirms advanced discussions as speculation grows over high street boost

HAVERFORDWEST could soon see a major high street revival, with a national retailer in advanced talks to take over the former Wilko building in the town centre.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, with a deal potentially just weeks — or even days — away.

Speaking to The Herald, Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said the authority is in “detailed discussions with a major national retailer” over the prominent vacant unit.

However, he declined to name the business involved, citing commercial confidentiality.

Speculation grows

Despite the secrecy, speculation has been mounting locally that clothing giant Primark could be the retailer preparing to move into the site.

The size of the former Wilko store — one of the largest retail units in the town — has led many to believe only a handful of national chains would be able to occupy the space.

When asked directly whether Primark was involved, Cllr Miller did not confirm the claim, but also did not deny it.

Work already underway

The council has taken steps to prepare the building for a new tenant following Wilko’s collapse into administration.

This includes carrying out essential structural repairs, particularly to the roof, funded through a combination of council investment and an interest-free Welsh Government town centre loan.

Cllr Miller said the aim is to deliver a “blank canvas” for a new retailer, who would then invest further in fitting out the store.

He added that any incoming tenant would likely spend “millions” preparing the unit before opening.

Boost for town centre

The arrival of a major national retailer would represent a significant boost for Haverfordwest, which has faced challenges in recent years with declining footfall and the loss of several well-known stores.

The Wilko closure left a large gap in the town centre, both physically and economically, and securing a new anchor tenant is seen as key to revitalising the high street.

If confirmed, the move could increase visitor numbers, support surrounding businesses, and help restore confidence in the town’s retail future.

Deal ‘close’

Cllr Miller indicated that negotiations are at an advanced stage.

He said: “I’d like to think we’re talking weeks, not months — maybe even days, but these things can change.”

While no formal agreement has yet been announced, the timeline suggests a decision could be imminent.

What happens next

Until a deal is formally signed, the identity of the retailer remains unconfirmed.

However, with negotiations progressing and work underway on the building, expectations are growing that a major announcement could soon follow.

For now, all eyes remain on Haverfordwest — and on whether one of the UK’s biggest retail names is about to arrive.

We have contacted Primark for a comment.