A WELSH GOVERNMENT planning inspector has dismissed appeals relating to unauthorised works at the Imperial Function Centre at Milford Haven’s Masonic Hall, upholding an enforcement notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The decision, issued on Monday (Dec 15), follows two linked appeals by the venue’s operator against the council. One appeal sought retrospective planning permission for engineering works to create an external dining area, while the second challenged an enforcement notice requiring alterations to the development.

Both appeals were dismissed.

The site, located on Hamilton Terrace, lies within the Milford Haven Conservation Area and adjoins the Grade II listed Masonic Hall building.

The development included the construction of a raised terrace fronted by a smooth rendered retaining wall with a glass balustrade above. Planning permission for an earlier scheme involving a sloping landscaped embankment and fencing had been granted in April 2021, but the approved design was later altered.

In his ruling, Inspector R H Duggan concluded that the retaining wall caused significant harm to the setting of the listed building and failed to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

He found that the wall was visually intrusive, projected forward of the established building line along Hamilton Terrace and detracted from the historic street scene.

While the inspector considered that the glass balustrade itself was not harmful in isolation, he ruled that it did not overcome the overall harm caused by the retaining wall.

The appeal was also dismissed on residential amenity grounds. The inspector found that parts of the terrace allowed direct overlooking into neighbouring properties, particularly No. 42 Hamilton Terrace, resulting in an unacceptable loss of privacy.

He concluded that this impact alone would have justified refusal, even if heritage concerns had not applied.

The second appeal, made against an enforcement notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council in June 2025, sought additional time to comply with the notice. The inspector ruled that the original compliance period of 90 days was reasonable and should stand.

As a result, the operator is now required to remove the rendered retaining wall and glass balustrade, reinstate a sloping earth bank with turf, reposition sections of the balustrade and install a close-boarded fence along part of the boundary.

The inspector acknowledged that the development offered economic and social benefits, including improved accessibility and outdoor facilities, but concluded that these were outweighed by the harm identified.

Pembrokeshire County Council has responsibility for monitoring compliance with the enforcement notice.

THE MAYOR of Milford Haven has paid tribute to the town’s strong community spirit, volunteers and charities in his Christmas message to residents.

Councillor William D. Elliott said it continued to be a “huge privilege and pleasure” to serve as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven, praising the range of events and activities that bring people together throughout the year.

He highlighted the work of many local organisations, including Milford Haven Round Table, Milford Haven Business Circle, Milford Haven Town Band, Torch Theatre, Boulevard Theatre, St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, St David’s Church Hubberston, the Port of Milford Haven, Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven Branch of the Royal British Legion, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, community centres in Hubberston and Hakin, local scout and youth groups, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society and the Megan’s Starr Foundation, among many others.

The Mayor said these groups continue to grow from strength to strength, benefiting not only Milford Haven but surrounding communities as well.

“Community cohesion and working together is key to our success,” he said. “We benefit greatly from the expertise and skills that each group brings, and many simply could not operate without the dedication and commitment of volunteers.”

Councillor Elliott thanked volunteers for their efforts during 2025 and encouraged residents to continue supporting local charities and not-for-profit groups through donations and involvement.

He also reflected on the town’s Citizens Awards, which he presented in June, describing it as humbling to recognise volunteers who make a significant difference locally. Residents were encouraged to submit nominations when the awards reopen in April and May.

The Mayor paid special tribute to the Megan’s Starr Foundation following its success in achieving a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“This is the highest award given to local volunteering groups in the UK, equivalent to an MBE,” he said. “For one of our own community organisations to receive such an honour is outstanding and reflects the hard work and determination of so many volunteers. Many congratulations to all involved.”

Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, Councillor Elliott said it represents love, giving, respect and hope, values he believes Milford Haven demonstrates throughout the year, particularly in supporting those in need.

He also highlighted the annual Christmas Together event held on Christmas Day, which he and his Consort, Lloyd, will again attend.

“This event perfectly captures the spirit of our town by offering companionship and care to those who might otherwise be alone,” he said. “It shows Milford Haven at its very best, and the volunteers who give their time year after year truly make a difference.”

Councillor Elliott also thanked residents for supporting his Mayor’s Charity fundraising over the past eighteen months.

Concluding his message, he said: “On behalf of Lloyd and I, and all our Town Councillors, we would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.”

PLANS to demolish a former bowling alley at Pembrokeshire’s Cawdor Barracks have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, VIVO Defence Services Ltd, through agent CDB Planning and Architecture, sought permission for the demolition of a single storey pitched roof building at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy.

Supporting documents accompanying the application, supported by Brawdy Community Council, said the building is no longer in use and, due to dilapidation, requires demolition

An officer report recommending approval said: “The site is located within the open countryside and comprises of a British Army Ministry of Defence Site, known as Cawdor Barracks.  The application site comprises of a derelict building, formerly used as a bowling alley for the MOD.  The building is a single storey masonry building with metal sheet pitched roof and is located at the entrance of the site.

“This application seeks the prior approval for the demolition of the building.  Following the demolition of the building to the existing concrete slab, the slab would remain as additional hardstanding area.  There are no proposed redevelopments for the site.

“Any future redevelopments of the site may be subject to separate planning permission.   Prior approval is required with regard to method of demolition of the building for the protection of protected species.”

The report said the building “supports a nonbreeding summer day roost for common and soprano pipistrelle bats and nonbreeding day and nights roost for brown long eared bats” protected under regulations, but a bat survey in support of the application proposed mitigation measures.

“The council’s ecologist and NRW have both been consulted on the application and comment that the proposed recommendations and mitigations are welcomed.  It is considered that the development is not likely to be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerns at a favourable conservation status in its natural range.  It is recommended that a condition is imposed on any consents to secure the proposed mitigation measures.”

The report also said the building was used by nesting bird, recommending a condition to ensure their protection of nesting birds during the demolition phase.

The application was conditionally approved by officers.

Images: Gareth Davies/Hidden Pembrokeshire