Public urged to take care along the coast

PEMBROKESHIRE residents and visitors are being urged to take extra care when using the Coast Path and local beaches following a series of recent landslips.

Authorities say a wet winter, following last year’s prolonged dry spell, has increased the risk of further cliff falls and ground instability in the coming weeks.

People heading to the coast are being advised to keep well away from cliff edges and to avoid sitting directly beneath cliff faces while on beaches.

Cliffs along the Pembrokeshire coastline are naturally formed and are constantly changing due to erosion and weathering. Periods of heavy or sustained rainfall can seep into cracks in the rock, weakening the structure and making landslips more likely.

While these processes are a normal part of coastal evolution, they mean cliff faces can collapse suddenly and without warning.

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “We have seen a number of landslips and cliff falls around the county this winter and want people to ensure they are aware of their surroundings while out and about.

“If you are visiting the coast, please follow HM Coastguard guidance—stay well back from cliff edges and bases, observe warning signs, and keep to signposted coastal paths.”

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, added: “After months of prolonged rainfall, we are seeing increased instability along several sections of the coast.

“We advise everyone to remain vigilant, be mindful of their surroundings, and take extra care when accessing the Coast Path and beaches.

“We are working with partner agencies to monitor conditions and will continue to issue advice through our website and social media channels where necessary.”

THE FIRST phase of a major redevelopment programme at Portfield School in Haverfordwest has been completed, marking a significant step forward in specialist education provision in Pembrokeshire.

The project has been jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council through the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, which aims to deliver modern, high-quality learning environments for pupils across Wales.

Developed in partnership with construction firm Morgan Sindall, the scheme has focused on accessibility, sustainability and the creation of spaces tailored to a wide range of learning and therapeutic needs.

Portfield School supports children and young people aged three to nineteen with additional learning needs. The new facilities provide modern, flexible and inclusive spaces designed to support pupils’ development while helping meet growing demand for specialist education provision in the county.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley said the new accommodation represented an important step forward for the school community.

She said: “We are delighted with the new provision for our pupils at Portfield School. It represents a significant step forward in ensuring every pupil has access to an inclusive, supportive and inspiring learning environment where they can thrive.

“As Headteacher I am incredibly proud of how well the pupils have transitioned into the new site and adapted so quickly to their new learning environment. I am very excited to be working alongside a dedicated team of staff who share the same passion for inclusive education. Together we will build a school community where every young person can flourish.”

The new building includes specialist facilities such as sensory rooms and improved outdoor areas designed to promote physical activity, social interaction and emotional wellbeing.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said the development would help support learners with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

She said: “All learners deserve environments that nurture, challenge and support them. I am pleased to support learners with additional learning needs in Pembrokeshire through our Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. The specialist spaces will help us meet a wide range of needs and ensure every learner feels valued and able to thrive.”

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jon Harvey, described the completion of the first phase as an important moment for the school and the wider community.

He said: “This is an exciting moment for the school, the families we support, and the wider community. The new facilities will provide pupils with the high-quality, nurturing environment they deserve, and the first phase brings us closer to delivering the full vision for this exceptional school.”

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said the company was proud to help deliver the project.

He said: “It’s a real privilege to hand over the new Portfield School SEN facilities. This milestone reflects the hard work and commitment of our Morgan Sindall team, and it has been fantastic to work with Pembrokeshire County Council to bring the project to life.

“The new facilities will make a lasting difference, providing children with a high-quality learning environment that offers the support pupils need to thrive and be inspired.”

Work on the next stage of the redevelopment has already begun. This will include refurbishment of the former Tasker Milward H Block for post-16 pupils, demolition of the existing primary school building, reinstatement works, the construction of a new respite care unit, and refurbishment of Holly House.

The overall scheme represents a long-term investment in specialist education and aims to ensure that children with additional learning needs across Pembrokeshire have access to the support and facilities they require.

COUNCILLORS have approved plans for a new housing development of 48 homes, including ten affordable properties, on a west Wales estate.

The scheme at Maes y Dderwen in Cardigan was granted planning permission at the March 11 meeting of Ceredigion County Council’s Development Management Committee.

The application, submitted by TID Holdings Ltd through agent Trevor Hopkins Associates Ltd, forms part of the third phase of development at the Maes y Dderwen estate.

In total, the scheme will deliver 48 homes, ten of which will be affordable units in line with the council’s policy requiring 20 per cent affordable housing.

Cardigan Town Council supported the application but requested that a higher proportion of affordable housing be included.

One member of the public objected to the plans, arguing the development represented an overdevelopment of the site. Concerns were also raised about whether there was sufficient local demand for the homes, suggesting they could be purchased by buyers from outside the area, as well as raising questions about the impact on local infrastructure.

However, planning officers advised councillors that outline permission for residential development at Maes y Dderwen had first been granted in 1992, and the site has been subject to several planning applications since then.

The latest proposal includes 38 open-market homes comprising six three-bedroom bungalows, twelve four-bedroom detached houses, ten three-bedroom semi-detached houses, four three-bedroom terraced homes, and six two-bedroom flats.

The affordable housing element will consist of six three-bedroom semi-detached houses, one three-bedroom detached house, and three terraced homes, including two two-bedroom properties and one three-bedroom unit.

Planning officers said the mix of housing types would help meet a range of local housing needs.

The report stated that the inclusion of bungalows was “particularly positive” as it supports accessibility and lifetime homes principles, providing suitable housing for older residents and people with mobility needs. Flats and smaller terraced homes would provide options for first-time buyers and smaller households, while larger detached and semi-detached properties would help meet family housing demand.

The scheme also includes provision for communal accessible open space and a natural play area.

Responding to objections, the report noted that the site is allocated for housing within the development plan and that the proposed density is below recommended guidelines.

Officers added that planning policy cannot control who ultimately purchases the homes and confirmed that no statutory consultees had raised concerns about infrastructure capacity.

Members of the committee unanimously approved the development, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and approval of the associated play space.