A COUNCIL scheme to build 24 affordable homes for the elderly at the site of the former Motor World building in Milford Haven is expected to be backed by county planners next week despite a Welsh Government stop on permission awaiting the size of bin lorries before it can be removed.

W B Griffiths & Sons Ltd, on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, in an application before the council’s planning committee on November 5, is seeking approval for the construction of a new residential redevelopment of 24 affordable apartments for older people at 70A-80A Charles Street.

It is proposed to build 21 one-bed apartments and three two-bed apartments, along with associated works.

The former Motor World site was cleared in 2018 to enable redevelopment, with planning permission granted on the site for the development of 15 affordable apartments for over-55s in 2020.

Back in 2021, site contractors WRW construction, which had a number of projects ongoing in Pembrokeshire, was put into administration by its directors under what was described as, ‘significant financial stress’.

The latest application, submitted through agent DPP Planning, follows a public consultation earlier this year.

DPP Planning, in its consultation statement for the latest application, has said: “The council has now instructed W B Griffiths, a Pembrokeshire-based construction company, to develop the site subject to a number of changes.

“The main change is to increase the number of apartments on site to 24 to make best use of the site by increasing the availability of affordable homes for over-55s.”

Two representations have been received in relation to the proposal, with Milford Hubberston county councillor Viv Stoddart has advised that she has raising concerns about insufficient parking space for residents and their carers, which she says have not been addressed by the  Pre-Application Consultation.

The report says that Welsh Government has issued a Holding Direction to the effect that planning

A second representation raises an objection that full length windows at the end of corridors on each floor would cause overlooking due to proximity to the boundaries.

It is suggested this issue could be addressed by introducing opaque glazing to these windows.

The application is recommended for conditional approval but is subject to a Welsh Government Holding Direction where planning permission cannot be granted until a vehicle Swept Path Analysis has been submitted demonstrating that a turning area can be provided within the site for the largest type of vehicle that would serve the site.

The report says there have been some delays in getting this, latterly due to the agent awaiting information on the dimensions of the council’s refuse vehicles, adding provision of the turning area may require a reduction in the area of green space proposed to retain the 10 car parking spaces.

Delegated authority is requested for the Head of Planning to approve the application following resolution of this issue. 

Renowned food expert and TV personality Merlin Griffiths has awarded Barti Spiced Rum a gold Badge at this year’s Great British Food Awards.

The team behind Barti Rum is proud to announce that they have been awarded a gold accolade at the Great British Food Awards 2024 within the spirits category for its spiced rum.

The winning entry from Pembrokeshire, will now be regarded as one of the very best products available within the UK’s exciting food and drink sector in 2024.

Barti Spiced is a rum described by its creators as the most flavourful spiced rum on the market. A symphony of classic spices such as vibrant vanilla, subtle cinnamon and sweet citrus are combined and infused with wild picked laver seaweed, the seaweed serves to lift and enhance the traditional warming taste and make the drink exceptionally smooth. Barti boasts it’s chameleon like ability to be savoured as a sipping drink, while being equally enjoyable and unlost with a mixer or cocktail.

The item was judged by top industry expert Merlin Griffiths who some will know as the head bar tender in Channel 4’s First Dates. Griffiths also runs a chain of successful bars in the North of England.

Category judge Merlin Griffiths described Barti Rum as follows: “What a wonderful spiced spirit Barti is. It has lashings of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon and cloves all underpinned by a subtle umami note from Welsh seaweed. Satisfying both neat on the rocks, and in Daiquiri or Swizzle. Add solid eco credentials and stylish packaging, and we have really fun spiced rum. Truly excellent spiced spirit.”

Having been awarded the highest accolade within the Great British Food Awards 2024, Barti Spiced Rum will now be promoted across Great British Food’s print, online and social channels in celebration of its achievement.

Of the win, Fran Barnikel, managing director at Barti Rum said, “This is an enormous badge of honour for our much loved spiced rum. There are so many wonderful spirit brands in the UK today, to get this recognition nationally is really very special. We’re glad the judges like it as much as we do!”

Barti’s win comes within the first weeks of the product appearing on the shelves of Tesco regionally in Wales. The now award winning Barti Spiced as well as a second product, Barti Cream Liqueur launched in Tesco in September this year and Tesco shoppers cannot get enough of it, so much so that shelves are starting to become sparse while the Tesco supply system struggles to keep abreast of orders to fulfil demand. Paul Johns, store manager inHaverfordwest stated “Sales are excellent! I’m struggling to keep up with it!”

Sources suggest that huge surges in sales in hot spot areas is seriously unusual for a newly listed product, so much so it’s causing the algorithm which generates orders to get confused leading to empty space in store where the bottles should be. Barti Cream has been the main victim of this meaning shoppers are struggling to get their fix of the unique, creamy, plant-based liqueur. Not ideal given the creators behind it struggled to keep at this very same time last year when Barti Cream was initially launched.

Erin at Barti Rum said “People actually call it the great Barti cream drought of 2023, we really don’t want to be in that situation again.”

Barti Spiced, winner of the Great British Food award for “Best Rum” is available from lots of brilliant independent stockists around the country, Tesco and Co-op in Wales, and of course online at www.bartirum.wales for updates and serve suggestions follow @bartirum on social media.

THREE new wind turbines to bolster renewable capacity at Waterston Renewables Energy Park

DRAGON Energy’s plans for three wind turbines at the Waterston Renewables Energy Park have gained planning approval. Supported by Dragon LNG, the company acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including residents of Waterston, Llanstadwell, and Blackbridge, who have engaged since community consultations began in March 2022.

The turbines, designed to complement the park’s 18,500 solar panels, aim to cut emissions and support decarbonisation goals. The new energy infrastructure is expected to be operational by Q4 2026, boosting local renewable energy output.

Community fund to support skills

In line with its community-focused mission, Dragon Energy has established a community benefit fund, suggested by local residents and set to operate for at least a decade from the project’s launch. Beginning in September 2025, the fund will provide upskilling opportunities and energy subsidies specifically for Waterston, Llanstadwell, and Blackbridge residents.

Simon Ames, Managing Director of Dragon, said: “The addition of three wind turbines will bring both immediate construction jobs and lasting benefits to our community. Combined with our solar farm, these renewable assets will help offset about 11,500 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. When on-site demand is low, clean electricity will also be fed into the local grid. We’re immensely grateful for the project team’s hard work and the support from our stakeholders, allowing us to capitalise on this prime location for onshore wind, significantly reducing our scope II carbon emissions.”

Dragon Energy is partnering with Boralex, its consenting and construction advisor, and will maintain open communication with the community and stakeholders throughout the project.