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Pluto Finance backs 56 new homes in west Wales with £8.9m loan package

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ESG-aligned funding will support low-carbon developments in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire

PLUTO FINANCE has completed its first two residential development loans in Wales, totalling £8.9 million, from the Welsh Pension Partnership (WPP) investment sleeve. The funding will support the construction of 56 energy-efficient homes in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, delivered by Obsidian Homes.

The two schemes will provide a mix of open-market and affordable housing targeted at local people and key workers, including those in healthcare, education, and emergency services.

The first loan, for £4.35 million, supports Phase One of a 37-home scheme in Llanarth, Ceredigion, close to a popular holiday destination. The phase includes 16 open-market homes and five affordable properties, which will be sold at 70% of market value. A second phase—comprising 14 more open-market units and two affordable homes—will follow once sales progress.

The second loan, for £4.57 million, funds a new development in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire. This project will deliver 15 open-market houses and four affordable apartments. The affordable units will be acquired directly by the local authority. Construction is already underway, with Pluto stepping in to complete the lending package within two weeks of credit approval.

Both councils have shown strong support for the developments, which prioritise affordability, sustainable construction, and homes for local families. Designed to high environmental standards, the homes feature timber-frame construction, photovoltaic panels, and low-carbon heating systems. All units are expected to achieve an EPC A rating, and developers estimate lifetime carbon savings of up to 92%.

Jonathan Scott, Lending Director at Pluto Finance, said: “These developments are exactly the kind of projects Pluto is proud to support—high-quality, low-carbon homes that meet genuine local need. We’re especially pleased to be working with Obsidian Homes, who share our values and commitment to sustainable placemaking. Our flexible approach and deep understanding of regional markets continue to support a growing pipeline of projects across Wales.”

Paul Rees of Obsidian Homes added: “Pluto has been a reliable and pragmatic funding partner throughout the process, enabling us to move forward with these important West Wales schemes. We’re already seeing strong demand, with two homes reserved ahead of formal marketing.”

The two loans form part of Pluto Finance’s broader strategy to drive regeneration, boost local economies, and address housing imbalances in communities where second homes often outnumber primary residences.

 

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

 

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Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

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FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

 

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