News

Wind turbine approved at second attempt

Published

9 years ago

November 25, 2014

AN APPLICATION for a wind turbine was approved by eight votes to four at Tuesday’s (Oct 7) Planning and Rights of Way meeting. The turbine will be located on Mountain Park in Hayscastle and will be 21m to hub height and 27m to blade tip. The application came before the committee as the plans had been submitted under a different application in 2013. On that occasion the turbine was rejected as the visual impact assessment was considered inadequate by officers. The new application has not had any objection from the National Park Authority or from Hayscastle Community Council but there were 47 letters of objection.

Cllr Tom Richards said: “This application was with us in July 2013 and we’ve had considerable time to consider the matter. This turbine is to provide a power supply for the applicant’s farm. It is not considered that the landscape impact would change and the small scale of the turbine has also been emphasised.” Speaking on behalf of the objectors, Ray Simpson said: “Here we are again, how has this happened? This is an identical proposal at the same height and at the same location that was put to you in July 2013 and was rejected by you.

In his report to you at that meeting he says: ‘The turbine would be readily visible in the immediate vicinity for example, along the main country road between Hayscastle and Castle Morris and the adjoining country lanes.’ This area of countryside is particularly open in character and it’s overlooked by the Preseli Mountains some 10km to the north east.It is considered therefore that the turbine, by virtue of its location, siting and scale would not be compatible with the capacity and character of the area. It was considered that the turbine could have a detrimental, cumulative impact on the landscape when considered with others having regard to the open nature of the landscape and the proximity to the National Park.

As such the proposal would be contrary to the requirements of criteria 1 and 3 of policy GN 1.” He then went on to explain: “Finally the director of development wrote: ‘the proposal would result in an adverse impact on the immediate vicinity in an area that has limited capacity to accommodate large structures’.There are no conditions that could be imposed that would acceptably mitigate the harmful effects. The benefits of the scheme, in terms of renewable energy, do not outweigh the harmful impacts.So nothing has changed in the landscape since last year, since those comments were written. So it’s a bit difficult as an outsider to conclude that perhaps the planning authority is a bit more overbound by the number of appeals they are suffering.

There are 46 objections from local people to this proposal. The proposal would severely impact on our lives. The turbine would be directly in our sight line. The turbine would be visible for miles across the countryside, as far away as Roch. An industrial sized turbine of this scale would be completely out of character and as the council’s planning officer stated last year this landscape is incapable of absorbing the proposed turbine. Please, let’s do the right thing, let’s not spoil this piece of countryside, let’s refuse it.”

Cllr Brian Hall said: “This is 8 metres lower than our previous application this morning – that’s quite significantly lower. I think this application has met the concerns and if the National Park had objected it would be something for us to consider refusal. There were 76 objections last time, this time there are only 47 now. If we refuse this it is highly likely that this will go to appeal and I will move the recommendation for approval.” Cllr Keith Lewis added: “I spoke in support on the last occasion this came to us and this time there are no planning grounds for refusal. Size does have a considerable bearing but it does meet the criteria that are laid down.” Cllr Phil Baker asked: “What has changed in the last 12 months?” The Council’s presenting officer Kerry Jones added: “Last time it was supported by poor quality information. We have now got a proper extensive planning application that does allow us to make the judgement calls.” The turbine was passed by eight votes to four.

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

16 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).

On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.

When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.

Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.

Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).

While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.

After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.

The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.

“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.

“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.

“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.

“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”

On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.

If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police

Published

17 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”

In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”

Business

Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’

Published

19 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.

“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”

Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”

“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”