A CALL for works to Tenby’s listed building sailing club to improve energy efficiency for the community organisation has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Harrison Richards of Tenby Sailing Club sought permission for replacing 24 timber windows at the Grade-II-listed Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, with new Accoya timber double-glazed units.

The application added: “An energy survey conducted by Dragon Energy Consultants highlighted the existing single glazing and rotten window frames as a significant contributor to the club’s energy consumption.

“Tenby Sailing Club is a community organisation which seeks to organise activities year-round but faces significant energy costs being housed in a historic building. The current windows are beyond repair, with cracked glazing, decay, water ingress, and poor energy efficiency.

“The two windows at balcony level are not included, as they were previously replaced and remain in good condition. All new units will replicate the existing profiles, dimensions, glazing patterns, and overall appearance, ensuring no visual change to the building’s character.

“The neighbouring three-storey harbour stores occupied by Tenby Sea Cadets have previously replaced the building’s windows with double glazing. This like-for-like replacement in appearance will improve durability, weather resistance, and thermal performance while preserving the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Sailing Club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936.”

It said no adverse comments to the proposals had been received.

It added: “The proposal is to replace the majority (24 total) of windows in painted timber, double-glazed with face-mounted glazing bars of traditional scale and profile. Whilst a modern practice of glazing, the proposal involves no loss of historic fabric, provides an obvious visual improvement and addresses concerns as to heating costs.”

It finished: “The scheme is considered to be in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Laura Anne Jones says net zero focus is driving up bills and harming energy security

A REFORM UK Senedd Member has called for a major shift in Wales’ energy strategy, urging ministers to prioritise nuclear power during a heated exchange in the Senedd.

Laura Anne Jones, Regional Member for South Wales East, used the final First Minister’s Questions of the current term to challenge the Welsh Government’s approach, warning that current policies risk increasing costs for households and businesses.

She told the chamber that Wales needs energy which is “affordable, reliable and secure for the long term,” adding that an overemphasis on net zero targets was having unintended consequences.

Ms Jones said: “For too long, Welsh energy policy has been driven by ideological Net Zero targets imposed without regard to cost, reliability, rural impact, or democratic consent.”

Calling for a change in direction, she argued that nuclear power should play a central role in the country’s future energy mix.

“A Reform Welsh Government will act as an active enabler of nuclear development, not a passive bystander or a blocker,” she said. “We will work constructively with Westminster and fast-track infrastructure.”

She also criticised opposition to nuclear projects, claiming it could delay developments seen as vital to national energy security.

“We will not allow ideological opposition by Plaid to frustrate or halt nationally important nuclear developments,” she added, warning that current policies were “bringing our Welsh economy to its knees.”

Energy debate intensifies

The comments come amid growing political debate over how Wales balances its net zero commitments with concerns over energy costs and security.

The Welsh Government has consistently defended its strategy, arguing that investment in renewable energy and decarbonisation is essential to tackle climate change while creating long-term economic opportunities.

Ministers have also pointed to the UK Government’s role in nuclear policy, with major projects and funding decisions largely reserved to Westminster.

However, critics argue that rising energy prices and global instability are exposing weaknesses in current approaches, with calls for a broader mix of energy sources gaining traction.

Ms Jones said she would continue to press for what she described as a “common sense” approach, focused on lowering bills, supporting jobs and ensuring long-term energy security for Wales.

Independent candidate says five-year delay is “simply not good enough”

AN INDEPENDENT Senedd candidate has called for urgent action to restart progress on the long-promised reopening of St Clears railway station.

Carl Peters-Bond, who is standing in Caerfyrddin and also serves as Mayor of Kidwelly, has urged the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales to finally deliver on commitments first made more than five years ago.

The station, located on the West Wales line between Carmarthen and Whitland, was closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts, which saw widespread reductions to the UK rail network. Its reopening has been the subject of local campaigns for decades, with supporters arguing it would reconnect rural communities to the national rail system.

In 2020, the project secured funding through the UK Government’s New Stations Fund, with Carmarthenshire County Council leading initial development work. The announcement was widely welcomed as a significant step towards improving transport links in west Wales.

However, despite early progress including feasibility studies and design work, the scheme has yet to move into construction. No confirmed timetable for delivery has been published.

Carl Peters-Bond said: “People in Carmarthenshire were told in 2020 that St Clears station was coming back. Five years on, we have vision documents, glossy strategies and endless consultations, but not a single shovel in the ground. It’s simply not good enough.”

He contrasted the delay with major transport investment elsewhere, adding: “While hundreds of millions are being invested in Cardiff and the Valleys through the Metro, and billions have gone into HS2, still labelled as ‘England and Wales’ infrastructure, communities like ours are left waiting.

“Carmarthenshire deserves its fair share of investment, and St Clears station should be at the front of the queue.”

Supporters of the scheme say a reopened station could help reduce reliance on cars along the busy A40, while improving access to employment, education and healthcare for residents in surrounding rural areas. It is also seen as an opportunity to boost tourism by making west Wales more accessible by rail.

Carl added: “Transport for Wales talks about improving connectivity in West Wales, but plans do not get people to work, school or hospital. Trains do. It is time for delivery, not more documents.”

As part of his campaign, he has pledged to push for a clear timetable, hold decision-makers to account on delays, and press for greater investment in the county’s transport network.

He added: “Carmarthenshire has waited long enough. If elected, I will make sure St Clears station is not forgotten again. Our communities deserve action, not another decade of promises.”