News

Plans for housing development in Pembrokeshire village met with objections

Published

1 year ago

February 26, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PROPOSED housing development in a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen lengthy objections from the local community council, is to be decided by officers rather than councillors after a call for it to do so failed.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Urban Style Homes Ltd is seeking permission for a residential development of six dwellings with associated landscaping and access on land next to The Green, High Street, St Florence.

A supporting statement through agent RPC Design & Architecture Ltd says the proposed development of five two-storey four-bed detached properties and an affordable single-storey bungalow includes a new access from High Street and associated landscaping and civil works for a private access road, with each dwelling having private off-road parking for two cars plus garage parking.

St Florence Community Council has “overwhelmingly objected” to the scheme on the grounds including it would lead to “an urbanised street-scene,” parking provision and highways, “there appears to have been little or no consideration given to the needs of local people,” and describes the designs are “repetitive and overpowering in scale”.

The application is due to be decided by planning officers, but, at the request of local county councillor Cllr Rhys Jordan, a call for it to be decided by councillors was brought before the county council’s planning delegation panel meeting of February 25.

It was recommended a decision on the scheme remain delegated to officers; a report for members outlining a list of criteria where it could be decided by committee, which it said were not met.

Cllr Jordan, in his call, said local residents were “not opposed to development,” recognising “the need for sustainable growth,” but felt this scheme would “harm the character of St Florence and the conservation area,” and the danger of setting a precedent on future developments.

He said local residents felt “let down” by previous planning decisions in the area, adding: “Allowing this application to proceed without public debate would erode trust”.

Cllr Clare George supported Cllr Jordan’s call, formally moving it be decided by committee as an opportunity for “public scrutiny,” with neighbouring county councillor Phil Kidney supporting: “There’s a lot of public interest, it more than warrants a public hearing”.

However, fellow committee member Cllr Tessa Hodgson was against that call, saying she could not support it as the three criteria for members to decide the scheme had not been met.

The call for councillors to decide the scheme was defeated by four votes to two, meaning officers will decide on the scheme at a later date.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

17 minutes ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

22 minutes ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

49 minutes ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)