Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Pembroke Dock care home with no planning permission for 15 years can stay open

Published

on

A PEMBROKE DOCK care home which has been operating without planning permission for some 15 years has been approved by county planners.

Care home specialist Orbis Ltd sought a retrospective change of use for the former house on Stockwell Road to a residential care home for up to five adults, plus staff; the change of use having started in September 2009.

A supporting statement accompanying the application, by agent C2J Architects & Town Planners, said: “The applicant, Orbis Ltd is a sector-leading provider of specialist services for children and adults with complex needs associated with autism.

“Their integrated model of learning and living, combined with a holistic therapeutic approach, ensures that they can offer unique homes for life with continuous community-based learning for adults.

“The applicant’s primary aim is to provide a safe environment that encourages individuality, self-confidence, self-esteem and lifelong learning.  It is a person-centred approach, encouraging adults to learn and develop skills that will enable them to play an active role in their community, supporting them to make their own informed decisions. The applicants work closely with families and carers to support individuals to develop and maintain relationships.”

It went on to say: “Up to five adults would remain at the property as their principal residence. Adults who are in the guardianship of Orbis have been taken into care for a variety of reasons, including fears for their physical wellbeing, learning disabilities or because of emotional or behavioural difficulties.

“The existing dwelling has been in use as a care home and registered with Care Inspectorate Wales for over 15 years, despite not formally having planning permission. It is key to note that given the use (C2) has been in operation for a continuous period in excess of 10 years, in accordance with Section 171B (3) of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991, the current use is immune from any enforcement action.”

A report by planning officers, recommending approval, noted the retrospective nature, but added: “The scale and design of the property would remain acceptable within its setting and the surrounding area. There would be no impact on the residential amenity of the property or neighbouring properties.”

The application was conditionally approved by planning officers.

Community

Police advise to check on any vulnerable neighbours and family without power

Published

on

PEMBROKESHIRE is facing widespread power outages tonight as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc across the region, leaving approximately 7,000 customers without electricity.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued an urgent appeal for assistance, encouraging communities to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, if weather conditions allow.

The police have taken the unusual step of asking those in immediate need due to the power outages to contact them directly via 101 or through their social media channels.

In a statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are aware there are significant numbers of people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys without power. We are asking anyone requiring urgent support to reach out to us. Your welfare is our priority.”

A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of Mid and West Wales, with gusts of wind and heavy rain complicating recovery efforts.

Local authorities are working to address storm damage, including fallen trees and debris blocking roads. Residents are urged to report power cuts by calling 105 and fallen trees through their local council contacts:

  • Pembrokeshire County Council: 0345 6015522
  • Carmarthenshire County Council: via their website
  • Ceredigion County Council: via their website

For updates on travel, weather, and flooding, the following resources are recommended:

  • Travel: Traffic Wales North & Mid / South
  • Weather: Met Office
  • Flood alerts: Natural Resources Wales at 0345 988 1188

As the storm continues, authorities are urging the public to use caution, stay indoors where possible, and only travel if absolutely necessary.

For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999. For less urgent health concerns, NHS Wales advises using the 111 Wales online symptom checker.

Stay tuned to The Herald for further updates as the situation unfolds.

Continue Reading

Community

Councillor visits fire station for electric blanket safety event

Published

on

CASTLE WARD County Councillor Thomas Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station on Thursday (Dec 4) to witness a vital safety initiative in action. The fire service hosted a free electric blanket testing event for residents, providing advice on fire protection and prevention.

The initiative aimed to highlight potential fire hazards posed by faulty electric blankets, helping ensure residents stay safe during the colder months. Fire officers also educated attendees on other safety measures, including the importance of carbon monoxide detectors to guard against the dangers of the “silent killer.”

Councillor Tudor described the event as an eye-opening experience, praising the fire service’s commitment to promoting safety and raising awareness within the community.

For those who missed the event, fire safety tips and advice on carbon monoxide monitoring are available on the fire service’s website and through local outreach programs.

Winter safety reminder: Test your appliances regularly and install carbon monoxide detectors to keep your home safe.

Continue Reading

Community

Clean up starts after storm causes chaos across Pembrokeshire

Published

on

PEMBROKESHIRE has been hit hard by a powerful storm, bringing widespread disruption to roads, power lines, and infrastructure. Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the impact and ensure public safety.

Key routes across the county have been shut due to fallen trees, hazardous debris, and damaged structures. Among the most significant closures are:

  • Cleddau Bridge: Closed to all high sided vehicles due to safety concerns.
  • A478 Pentlepoir to New Hedges: Impassable until further notice.
  • A40 Treffgarne to Wolfscastle: Blocked by a large tree, awaiting clearance once the red weather warning is lifted.
  • B4327 Dale Road: Closed near Walwyn’s Castle due to a large tree obstructing the road.
  • Wiston to Clarbeston Road: Closure enforced due to live power cables making clearance unsafe.

Additional closures include sections of the A4075, B4332, and multiple rural roads across the county. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and use alternative routes where possible.

Tree and phone lines down in Roch (Pic: Cllr Nick Neumann)

Ongoing clearance efforts

Local teams and specialist contractors are battling challenging conditions to reopen key routes. Notable progress includes:

  • Clearing trees and debris from the B4329 near Scolton Manor and Withybush Road in Haverfordwest.
  • Removing hazards along the B4330 and surrounding areas, including multiple trees down near Mathry and Wolfscastle.

Power Outages and Structural Damage

Over 2,300 properties in Pembrokeshire are without power as National Grid crews work to restore services. Vulnerable residents are receiving priority support, and the public is encouraged to check on their neighbours during the outages.

Charles Street, Milford Haven (Pic: Facebook)

Reports of structural damage include:

  • Flying roof tiles in Howarth Close, Milford Haven.
  • Shop signs down in Charles Street, Milford Haven
  • Tree toppled, Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven
  • A collapsed wall on College Road, Neyland, leading to footpath closures.
  • A garage canopy hazard at Begelly, now cleared by emergency teams.

Advice to residents

Pembrokeshire County Council has urged patience as they handle a surge in reports of fallen trees and hazardous conditions. Residents are encouraged to report new issues by calling 0345 6015522.

The public is also reminded to avoid unnecessary travel and to keep clear of dangerous structures and fallen power lines.

Power cuts and safety

National Grid has confirmed 23 separate incidents affecting electricity supply. Repairs are ongoing, but the situation may persist in some areas for several hours. Residents can report power outages by calling 105.

The Herald’s coverage continues

The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to provide live updates as the storm unfolds. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest developments.


Continue Reading

News2 hours ago

Storm Darragh: Leisure centres open as warm spaces for those without electricity

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has announced that leisure centres across the county, except for Fishguard, will be open today (Sunday, December...

News2 hours ago

Storm cleanup update: Roads, power, and services

EFFORTS to clear the aftermath of recent storms across Pembrokeshire continue, with teams working tirelessly to reopen roads, restore power,...

News20 hours ago

Storm Darragh leaves its mark on West Wales as major incident declared

DYFED-POWYS POLICE declared a major incident across the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys on Saturday afternoon (Dec 7)...

Community1 day ago

Clean up starts after storm causes chaos across Pembrokeshire

PEMBROKESHIRE has been hit hard by a powerful storm, bringing widespread disruption to roads, power lines, and infrastructure. Authorities are...

Crime2 days ago

Dangerous Tenby paedophile sentenced to 15 years jail

HIGH-RISK Tenby sex offender Christopher Flavin, 72, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing...

News2 days ago

RED WARNING: High winds expected in Pembrokeshire

he Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind as Storm Darragh sweeps across west Wales, bringing potentially...

News3 days ago

Milford Haven Christmas event cancelled due to weather warning

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has cancelled this Saturday’s (Dec 7) planned visit by Father Christmas following an amber weather warning,...

Community3 days ago

Dyfed-Powys Police cadets recognised on International Volunteer Day

DYFED-POWYS Police has celebrated International Volunteer Day by shining a spotlight on its dedicated Police Cadets, who are making a...

Community4 days ago

£4,000 metal Christmas tree divides opinion in Cardigan

A £4,000 metal Christmas tree in Cardigan has sparked heated debate among residents, with opinions ranging from admiration to outrage...

Business4 days ago

New chair for Celtic Freeport as project moves from development to delivery

THE UK and Welsh Governments welcomed Ed Tomp as the newly appointed permanent Chair of the Celtic Freeport, marking the...

Popular This Week