Business

Safety concerns raised over proposed new Milford Haven Lidl store

Published

1 year ago

October 4, 2024

THE new Lidl supermarket planned for Milford Haven has sparked safety concerns from a neighbouring business owner, as the application for its construction is set to go before Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee next week.

The new store is proposed to be built where the current car park is, with the building coming right next to the road.

Ian Ritchie, owner of the Victoria Filling Station, which sits adjacent to the proposed site on Great North Road, has been raising alarms about the potential dangers posed by the store’s design and access arrangements.

Despite repeated attempts to engage with Lidl’s representatives and the council, Ritchie claims his concerns have been largely ignored, with planners seemingly prioritising retail space over road and pedestrian safety.

“The safety of customers and pedestrians has become secondary for more retail space and 11 more parking spaces,” Ritchie stated. He warns that the current plans for the store, which include demolishing the existing Lidl and adjoining properties, will block his site and create hazardous conditions for both his customers and passing traffic.

The Victoria Filling Station, a business with nearly 100 years of service to the community, sees high traffic volumes, including regular deliveries from large fuel trucks. Ritchie points out that the filling station’s boundary area includes a vapour recovery system and fuel tanks holding over 50,000 litres. He argues that the proposed layout of the new Lidl could impede the safe flow of traffic in and out of his site, potentially resulting in accidents and putting customers at risk.

Ritchie has been advocating for a redesign that would ensure safe access for both his customers and those visiting the new Lidl store. However, he says his attempts to open a dialogue have been fruitless. “Listening to the conversation today, I do not believe our site has been considered in any way,” Ritchie remarked in a recent communication, emphasising the lack of engagement from planners on what he views as serious public safety and environmental concerns.

Lidl’s proposed new store is set to replace its current premises on Great North Road, along with adjoining properties, including the Enterprise Rent-a-Car unit. According to a statement by planning agents CarneySweeney, the new store aims to address the outdated design and operational inefficiencies of the current supermarket while better serving local customer demand. The development promises up to 40 new jobs and will expand the car park to 93 spaces, adding EV charging points and spaces for parents and children.

Despite the potential benefits, Ritchie believes these improvements come at the expense of safety. His concerns include the impact on visibility for vehicles, the increased risk for fuel trucks accessing the filling station, and the overall traffic flow on this busy trunk road. The filling station, which pumps around 4 million litres of fuel annually, plays a crucial role in the community by providing competitively priced fuel.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning officer has recommended the application for conditional approval at its 8 October meeting. While the project has gained support from Milford Haven Town Council, two public objections have been lodged, citing concerns over the store’s design, size, and vehicle access arrangements. Following feedback, the applicants have made some changes, such as removing proposed bollards that would have obstructed access to a disabled parking bay. However, Ritchie’s larger concerns about road safety and access remain unresolved.

The officer’s report notes that the site includes several properties that have been unoccupied for some time, as well as a former petrol station with underground storage tanks that are set to be removed. While Lidl’s statement emphasises their commitment to reducing environmental impact during construction, Ritchie worries that his filling station’s safety and operational viability are at stake.

As the planning committee prepares to make its decision, Ritchie continues to call for a balanced approach that prioritises safety for existing businesses and the community. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether his concerns will be addressed or if the development will proceed as planned, potentially setting a precedent for how new retail developments are handled in proximity to established businesses.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

14 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):