Business

Freystrop residents raise concerns over major solar farm proposal

Published

3 months ago

November 6, 2025

A LOCAL action group has voiced strong opposition to plans for a large-scale solar and battery storage development near Freystrop, warning it could industrialise the countryside and take valuable farmland out of food production.

The proposed development, known as the White House Solar Farm, is being brought forward by Qair Renewables UK Ltd, a company specialising in renewable energy schemes across Wales and the UK. The project is expected to be submitted to the Welsh Government in December as a Development of National Significance (DNS) application — meaning it will be determined by Welsh Ministers rather than Pembrokeshire County Council.

If approved, the scheme would see solar panels and a battery energy storage system (BESS) installed across around 140 acres of greenfield land at White House Farm and Middle Hill Farm, both located on the outskirts of Freystrop. The plans include underground cabling, a sub-station, security fencing and access tracks, with an operational life of up to forty years before the land is returned to agricultural use.

The Freystrop and Friends Solar Action Group, representing local residents, says the development would have a “severe and irreversible” impact on the landscape, wildlife habitats, and food security. The group argues that the area, already surrounded by renewable energy projects, is being disproportionately targeted.

“We are not against renewable energy,” a spokesperson said, “but this proposal would destroy productive farmland that supports both local grazing and biodiversity. There are plenty of more suitable sites — including car parks, rooftops and disused airfields — which could be used without harming the countryside.”

Concentration of projects in south and west Wales

Government data shows that only 0.1% of UK land is covered by ground-mounted solar panels, but campaigners say this statistic fails to reveal how concentrated developments have become in certain regions. South and west Wales, where higher solar radiation levels make projects commercially viable, have seen a surge in applications.

In Pembrokeshire alone, solar parks are already in operation at Pope Hill and Tiers Cross, with another major proposal for Johnston — just three kilometres away — set to cover approximately 300 acres of farmland.

The Freystrop action group says that approving another large-scale project would tip the balance further against rural communities trying to maintain agricultural livelihoods and preserve local heritage.

Public consultation underway

A public consultation on the White House scheme opened on October 20 and will close on December 1, 2025. Residents have been invited to review draft plans online and at local information sessions. An earlier exhibition was held at Freystrop Village Hall on February 26, where Qair representatives presented early designs and collected community feedback.

The developer says the project would generate clean, renewable energy capable of powering thousands of homes, supporting Wales’ transition to net zero and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

A spokesperson for Qair Renewables UK Ltd said in a statement issued earlier this year:

“Our aim is to work collaboratively with local communities to deliver renewable energy that benefits both people and the environment. We are committed to minimising visual impact and protecting local ecology through responsible design and habitat enhancement.”

However, the Freystrop and Friends group insists that such assurances do not offset the long-term environmental and visual costs. They have called for the project to be withdrawn or relocated to a brownfield site.

Next steps

Following the close of the consultation, Qair is expected to finalise its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and submit a formal DNS application to the Welsh Government. If accepted, the project will go through a detailed examination process before a final decision is made — likely in mid-2026.

Business

Councillor condemns closure of Haverfordwest Santander branch

Published

2 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has spoken out after learning that the Santander branch in Haverfordwest is set to close later this year, warning the decision will have a serious impact on local residents, families and businesses.

The bank’s Bridge Street branch is due to close on Monday (May 5) as part of a wider UK restructuring programme.

Councillor Thomas Baden Tudor said he was “lost for words” and urged the bank to reconsider, describing the closure as devastating for customers who rely on face-to-face services.

Santander says the decision is driven by declining footfall, with more customers banking online, and that services will remain available via digital platforms and Post Office counters.

However, the announcement follows a steady erosion of high-street banking in Pembrokeshire. The Herald recently reported that Haverfordwest’s former Halifax branch is set to reopen as a nail salon.

In what appears to be a serious failure of planning, there is now not a single bank branch left anywhere in south Pembrokeshire. Towns including Tenby, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock are all without face-to-face banking facilities.

North Pembrokeshire has also been affected, with Fishguard and St Davids now lacking bank branches.

Pembrokeshire is understood to be left with just four bank branches in total — Nationwide in Milford Haven, and HSBC, NatWest and Lloyds Bank in Haverfordwest.

Business

Bluestone celebrates King’s Award for Enterprise at official ceremony

Published

19 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire resort recognised as UK leader in sustainable tourism

BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK RESORT has formally received The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, marking a major milestone for the Pembrokeshire-based resort.

The prestigious honour — the UK’s highest business award — was presented during an official ceremony at Bluestone’s Serendome by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards. It recognises Bluestone as the first holiday resort in the country to receive the award for sustainable development.

During the visit, the Lord-Lieutenant met founder and chief executive William McNamara, director of sustainability Marten Lewis, staff members and invited guests, while also learning more about the resort’s long-term environmental strategy and its relationship with the local community.

The award follows an extensive assessment of Bluestone’s environmental, social and economic performance. Judges highlighted major progress in reducing carbon emissions, the resort’s move to a fossil-fuel-free operation for all purchased energy — a first for a UK holiday park — and its adoption of circular economy principles. Bluestone was also praised for its support for the local economy, its work to protect and enhance wildlife, and an internal culture where sustainability is shared across the organisation. Around thirty per cent of the business is staff-owned.

Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Edwards said: “It was a great pleasure to present Bluestone with The King’s Award for Enterprise and to see first-hand the work they are doing. The team’s passion for sustainability and their commitment to protecting the local area in Pembrokeshire shone through during my visit. Bluestone’s work is having a positive and lasting impact, and they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.”

The recognition comes at a time when the tourism sector is under increasing pressure to balance growth with environmental protection, as travellers place greater emphasis on sustainable destinations.

Marten Lewis, who has led Bluestone’s sustainability strategy, has been central to developing what the resort describes as its “operational blueprint” — combining environmental protection, community partnerships and local economic support. He has also represented Bluestone nationally and was recently congratulated in person by King Charles III at a reception for King’s Award recipients.

Reflecting on the achievement, Mr Lewis said sustainability was fundamental to the way the resort operates. He added that the award recognised years of collective effort across the business and would act as a powerful incentive to continue pushing standards higher.

Chief executive William McNamara said the award reflected a long-standing commitment to responsible tourism. He said that as travel continues to evolve, businesses have a growing duty to protect the places people come to enjoy, adding that national recognition of Bluestone’s approach was a moment of pride for the entire team.

Formerly known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the programme was renamed following the accession of King Charles III. Since its launch in 1965, more than 8,000 UK businesses have been recognised for outstanding achievement.

Business

Final wind turbine deliveries completed after months of disruption

Published

20 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Last major component reaches site as Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thank communities for patience

DRAGON LNG and Dragon Energy have confirmed that the final large component for a new wind turbine project has now been successfully delivered, bringing months of complex abnormal load movements on Pembrokeshire roads to an end.

The companies said the final turbine blade was delivered to the site on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), marking the completion of all major component deliveries associated with the project.

In a statement, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation throughout the delivery programme, acknowledging that the operation caused disruption on local roads.

Residents across parts of the county have previously experienced temporary road closures, traffic delays and police escorts as oversized turbine components were transported from the Port of Milford Haven to the site under tightly controlled conditions.

The abnormal load movements required months of detailed planning and coordination, involving route surveys, traffic management, police support and liaison with local authorities to ensure deliveries were carried out safely and with minimal disruption wherever possible.

The companies also apologised for the inconvenience caused during the delivery phase, saying the support and understanding shown by residents had been “invaluable” in allowing the project to reach this milestone.

A number of organisations were involved in supporting the operation, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, haulage specialists Collett & Sons Ltd and Green Light Traffic Management.

Local media outlets, including The Pembrokeshire Herald, provided advance notice and updates during the delivery process to help keep residents informed.

With the final major deliveries now complete, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy said the project would continue to progress to the next phase of construction on site.