PLANS to convert a former Pembrokeshire chapel, empty for more than three decades, to a home have been approved.

In an application submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, Chris Jones and Sarah Lloyd sought permission for a change of use of the former Capel Bryn Salem chapel, Cippyn, St Dogmaels, to a dwelling, along with the installation of private foul water system and associated works.

The 1850-built independent chapel, some 1.5km from Poppit Sands, had fallen into disuse by 1993, but remains in a “generally intact and in a sound condition,” a supporting statement says.

It added: “Based on the fact that the building has been disused for at least 32 years it can be concluded that there is no longer a community need for the facility.”

The statement went on to say: “The building is largely intact, and the proposal mirrors its existing form. The scheme is sympathetic to the character and appearance of the existing building and would include comparatively minor works of re-roofing (maintaining the existing pitch and appearance).”

It finished: “It has been demonstrated that the retention of the building for community or commercial uses would not be viable. The proposed dwelling would contribute to the housing stock and accord with the strategy of the LDP2, to prioritise open market housing over holiday accommodation.

“The proposal would also contribute towards the provision of affordable housing through a commuted sum in line [with adopted policy].

“Furthermore, the proposed scheme is sympathetic to the character and appearance of the building and its setting and results in an appropriate and attractive form of development.”

The application was supported by St Dogmaels Community Council but concerns by members of the public were raised including the suitability of the existing access track and bridleway to serve a residential building and other access and highways issues, as well as impacts on neighbours and the effect of the proposal on the historic character of the former chapel and the surrounding landscape and potential land ownership issues.

An officer report recommending approval said: “During the determination of the application, amended plans and additional supporting information were submitted, including a revised Transport Management Plan, amended access arrangements, additional passing opportunities, ecological information and revised drainage details. These amendments were subject to further consultation.”

It added: “Whilst officers acknowledge the concerns expressed by neighbouring residents, matters relating to private legal rights, ownership of land, easements and other civil matters fall outside the remit of the planning system.”

The application was conditionally approved.

PLANS to change a former hairdressing salon in Pembrokeshire’s only city to a family-friendly coffee bar have been approved by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Gerallt Nash sought permission for a change of use of 26 High Street, St Davids from a hairdressing salon to a family friendly coffee bar and children’s playroom.

The first floor, formerly used as accommodation of a tenant, would be used as an office and storage of business.

A supporting statement said: “It is proposed to open a family-friendly coffee bar with a children’s playroom on ground floor. It is not intended to cook food on the premises, therefore there will be no requirement for an extractor system.

“Other than small scale repairs to part of one floor, and the installation of a sink and serving counter in the inner room (plumbing and electrics are already in place since its last use as a salon) the main work will be the redecoration of surfaces and ceilings, the provision of new light fittings and laying of new floor coverings.

“This part of High Street has been identified as a ‘commercial’ zone by PCNPA. Existing businesses close to No 26 include outdoor and surfing outlets; restaurants; clothes shops; holiday accommodation; ice cream parlour; fish and chips outlet; delicatessen and craft shops.

“The current proposal would fill a gap in the market, as most food outlets do not open until after 11am or 12pm, or only during the evenings in some cases. It would also provide somewhere for [young] families to go to unwind whilst their children can relax in the playroom.”

The scheme was supported by St Davids City Council but one representation from a member of the public raised concerns about potential noise, smells and risk of vermin from waste storage on site.

An officer report said the county council’s public protection team has been consulted and has no objections to raise, adding the application states there is no intention to cook on the premises; the opening hours listed as 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-7pm on Saturdays.

In recommending approval, it said: “There are no concerns in relation to significant impacts upon amenity, subject to a condition relating to opening hours, and it is not considered that the proposal would have an impact upon the character or appearance of the St David’s Conservation Area.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Rayner, Healey and Miliband handed senior roles as Reeves, Lammy and Stevens leave government

PRIME MINISTER Andy Burnham has announced a further wave of Cabinet appointments, bringing Angela Rayner back into government and handing senior roles to Lucy Powell, Jonathan Reynolds and close political ally Anneliese Midgley.

The latest announcements confirm that Burnham is carrying out a significant restructuring of Sir Keir Starmer’s former administration rather than simply moving a handful of ministers between departments.

Rayner has returned as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the position she left last year. The department will also oversee Burnham’s plans to transfer greater powers away from Westminster and into the nations, regions and local government.

Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, has been appointed Education Secretary, replacing Bridget Phillipson.

Phillipson will remain in government as Minister for Women and Equalities, although the move represents a substantial reduction in her responsibilities.

Jonathan Reynolds has returned to his former position as Business and Trade Secretary after serving as Chief Whip under Starmer.

His department is being expanded to take responsibility for science and innovation and will be renamed the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Anneliese Midgley, who played a central role in Burnham’s return to Parliament and leadership campaign, has been appointed Chief Whip.

The appointments follow the earlier confirmation that former Defence Secretary John Healey will become Chancellor.

Healey’s selection was considered a surprise after Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood had both been strongly linked to the Treasury. He replaces Rachel Reeves, who left the government after reportedly turning down another senior Cabinet role.

Miliband has instead been appointed Foreign Secretary, replacing Yvette Cooper, while Mahmood remains Home Secretary.

Cooper has moved to the Department of Health and Social Care, where she replaces James Murray. Burnham has made reform of adult social care one of the central missions of his government.

Pat McFadden will continue as Work and Pensions Secretary, providing one of the clearest elements of continuity with the previous administration.

Louise Haigh has been handed one of the most powerful positions in the new government. She becomes First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the senior Cabinet Office minister.

Although she has not formally been given the title of Deputy Prime Minister, the appointment makes Haigh Burnham’s principal coordinator across government and effectively his deputy at the Cabinet table.

Who has left?

The reshuffle has seen several figures closely associated with Starmer removed from government.

Rachel Reeves has departed as Chancellor, while David Lammy has left his positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary.

Darren Jones, who served as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, has also been removed, alongside former Housing Secretary Steve Reed and Business Secretary Peter Kyle.

Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn have also confirmed their departures.

James Murray has been replaced as Health Secretary, although it remains unclear whether he will be offered another government position.

Wales still waiting

No replacement has yet been announced for Jo Stevens as Secretary of State for Wales.

The vacancy is particularly significant because Burnham has promised a major programme of constitutional change and greater devolution of powers from Westminster.

The identity of the new Welsh Secretary will provide an early indication of how prominently Wales will feature within the new Prime Minister’s plans.

Several further senior appointments remain outstanding, including the posts of Defence Secretary, Justice Secretary, Northern Ireland Secretary and Welsh Secretary.

Wes Streeting, Lisa Nandy, Heidi Alexander, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Angela Eagle and a number of other Labour figures have entered Downing Street, but their positions had not been formally confirmed at the time of publication.

Burnham took office on Monday after being formally appointed by the King, promising what he described as a “circuit breaker” moment for Britain.

His government is expected to announce its first package of cost-of-living measures on Tuesday, with proposals involving energy bills and bus fares among the policies being considered.