PLANS to convert outbuildings at a Pembrokeshire farmstead, once the home of an Elizabethan historian, to houses have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application recommended for approval by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, Daniel Start, through agent Kinver Kreations Ltd, sought permission for the conversion of traditional stone barns at Henllys, near Felindre Farchog, to eight open-market dwellings.

An officer report said: “This application for the conversion of a vernacular group of outbuildings of historical significance to residential units is recommended for approval. The scheme represents a sensitive proposal that respects the historical character and setting of the farm range.”

The application includes both a £70,950 contribution to affordable housing and an £8,000 contribution towards the upgrading of local public rights of way, with no local objections to the proposals received.

“Historically, Henllys Farm was the site of a post-medieval farmstead and in recent times the farm was open to the public as a visitor attraction offering farm tours, guided walks, Sunday dinners and afternoon tea,” the report says.

It adds that historical research by Heneb, The Trust for Welsh Archaeology, shows the buildings are recorded as forming part of a postmedieval farmstead once home of the Elizabethan historian George Owen.

“Recorded as originally two properties and thought to be of medieval origin, Henllys was sold to the Owen family in 1543. The upstanding structure of the Elizabethan mansion itself was demolished during the 19th century; however it was situated a little further to the S-E of the current farmstead.

“In addition to the main dwelling, Owen’s description of the manor complex in 1594 indicates an extensive range of buildings, structures and features, including a stable block, a substantial 13 bay barn, gardens and orchards.

“Subsequently there is a strong possibility that both buried features/deposits along with traces of earlier structures, still exist on site. Either as below ground deposits or as surviving structural evidence fossilised within the existing farm building range. The Authority also believe that the remainder of the site has significant archaeological potential.”

It went on to say: “The buildings are of high cultural value due to their important historical associations with the Owen family and their significance to Pembrokeshire’s history. Additionally, they represent a farmstead whose development reflects the trajectory of the family’s fortunes over time.”

It finished: “The proposed scheme is considered acceptable in how its responds to landscape setting, visual, aesthetic, historical, cultural and also physical characteristics of the site.

Four-day assessment highlights improvement, leadership and governance

AN INDEPENDENT panel has concluded that Pembrokeshire County Council is meeting its statutory performance requirements and has shown improvement across a number of key areas.

The findings follow a four-day visit in October 2025, when a group of external peers carried out a Panel Performance Assessment (PPA), a process required once every electoral cycle under Welsh Government legislation.

The purpose of the PPA is to provide an independent expert view on how effectively the council is using its functions, how it deploys resources, and whether its governance arrangements are fit for purpose.

The four-member panel was led by Phil Roberts, independent chair and former chief executive of Swansea Council. Other members were Cllr Anthony Hunt, leader of Torfaen Council; Emma Palmer, chief executive of Powys Council; and Andrea Street OBE, representing the public, private and voluntary sectors.

In its final report, the panel concluded that Pembrokeshire County Council is meeting its statutory requirements and commented favourably on many aspects of its work. The authority was described as effective, having responded well to a challenging financial position and demonstrated improvement in a number of key areas.

Among the report’s findings was praise for “a cohesive cabinet, which despite its rainbow coalition arrangements, exercises a model of distributed leadership which is particularly effective”. The panel also highlighted “a committed Senior and Extended Leadership Team who recognised the journey of improvement the council has been on under the Chief Executive’s strong leadership”.

The panel further noted “a broad set of values and behaviours consistently demonstrated across the organisation, from the Senior Leadership Team to frontline staff”, adding that there was “a genuine desire to work in the interests of the communities and residents of the county”.

While the overall assessment was positive, the report also identified areas where further progress could be made. Seven recommendations were set out, covering scrutiny arrangements, corporate capacity, collaborative leadership, economic regeneration capacity, resource prioritisation, communications, and transformation and innovation.

Council leader Jon Harvey welcomed the report, describing the assessment as a constructive experience.

“This was an extremely positive experience for the council, and an opportunity to learn and benefit from the views and perspectives of independent experts from outside the authority,” he said. “We welcome the assurance provided by the panel that we are on the right track, and the feedback which has helped to identify opportunities and areas for improvement.”

Cllr Harvey also thanked panel members for their work, along with officers from the Welsh Local Government Association who supported the assessment process.

“We accept the panel’s findings in full and I am convinced that the action plan we have developed in response to the recommendations will enable us to further strengthen key areas of our work so we can continue to provide quality services to our residents and communities,” he added.

In line with legislation, the council has produced a formal response and action plan setting out how it will address the panel’s recommendations. These will be presented to Cabinet on February 9 and to full council on March 5 for formal approval.

Gaza-linked petition to be discussed by councillors with no officer report planned

A PETITION calling for Pembrokeshire’s public sector pension fund to divest from companies linked to Israel will be debated by councillors next month.

The proposal has been scheduled for discussion at a meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Full Council on Wednesday (Mar 5).

More than 500 people signed the e-petition, triggering a formal debate under the council’s petitions scheme.

Campaigners are asking the authority to press the Dyfed Pension Fund to withdraw investments from firms alleged to be “complicit with Israel’s genocide of Gaza”, arguing that public money should not be invested in businesses connected to conflict or alleged human rights abuses.

However, critics say foreign policy matters fall outside local government’s remit and warn that divestment could reduce investment flexibility or affect long-term returns for pension holders.

Sharon Ross, a freelance writer who contacted The Herald ahead of the debate, said councils should prioritise local services.

She said: “Local issues where councillors can make a real difference – roads, schools and healthcare – risk being pushed aside for international politics.

“Excluding an entire country from investment portfolios could reduce diversification and potentially lower returns without achieving meaningful change overseas.”

Council pension schemes operate under fiduciary duties requiring investments to act in the best financial interests of members.

The council has confirmed the item will go directly to Full Council for debate and that no officer report will accompany the discussion.

Agendas are expected to be published on the council’s website in the week before the meeting.