PLANS for an InPost e-commerce parcel locker service at a Pembrokeshire seaside village have been given the go-ahead by the national park despite concerns about its impact on neighbouring properties.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, InPost UK, through agent Skipton-based NL Jones Planning, sought permission for an InPost Parcel Locker at Bay View Stores, Maes Ewan, Solva.

InPost is a parcel locker service throughout the UK where you can send and return parcels quickly with contact-free delivery.

A supporting statement says e-commerce now accounts for 30 per cent of all retail UK sales, but “while this growth brings consumer convenience, the final leg of delivery – known as the ‘last-mile’ – is putting pressure on our streets and wallets, if all deliveries continue to be delivered to door,” with both more delivery vehicles on the road and “home deliveries more inconvenient and missed parcels more common” as more people return to the office post-Covid.

It added: “This service offers substantial new business opportunities often for local small and medium businesses, such as Etsy sellers, offering a more convenient, efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional services.”

It says the service also benefits small local businesses such as convenience stores through increased footfall, adding: “In exchange for hosting a locker, InPost pays landlords guaranteed rent, transforming unused spaces to become a popular in-demand community asset that also provides a new additional income stream.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The principle of development is considered acceptable, and the proposal is not considered to result in unacceptable harm to the special qualities of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

It said there were two letters of concern from members of the public raising issues including “potential noise and disturbance arising from use of the locker outside shop opening hours, including late night and early morning activity, vehicle movements and locker door noise,” increased parking demands, the effect of any CCTV systems on neighbours, and concerns it would be visually harmful “within the village street scene”.

The report concluded: “It is acknowledged that Solva is a relatively quiet village setting outside of peak daytime periods, and that noise can carry. However, the proposed parcel locker is to be located within the curtilage of an established convenience store where there is already regular customer activity, vehicle movements and servicing/delivery activity.

“The proposal is not considered to introduce a materially different form of activity to that already associated with the lawful retail use of the premises. In addition, the parcel locker itself is a passive facility and would not generate continuous noise.

“Any noise associated with its use would be intermittent and comparable to typical short-duration activity associated with customers visiting the shop.”

LOCAL Senedd Member Paul Davies has welcomed the decision taken by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet to pause its proposed road‑realignment scheme in Newgale.

Newgale was hit hard by flooding following storms in early 2014 storms, and later by Storm Dennis in 2020.

In 2014 it even saw a visit by the-then Prime Minister David Cameron following the storms.

A public consultation – through agent AtkinsRéalis – was launched last year ahead of a formal council application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, which would see the development of a new inland section of road with bridge over Brandy Brook some 2.3km inland, to replace the coastal section of A487 at Newgale that will be closed.

Varied claims have been made about the cost of this scheme, from £20m upwards, some even saying it could cost as much as £60m, with millions spent on consultation fees to date.

An alternative, cheaper, scheme had been proposed by STUN – Stand Up for Newgale, proposing a section of the shingle bank at Newgale be realigned 10-12 metres seaward leaving an over-wash barrier between it and the A487 to capture any pebbles and sea water.

At the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, in a report presented by Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett, members received an update on the scheme, which included options of a formal submission, abandoning it, and the favoured option of putting it on hold for a period of between 18 and 24 months.

The option recommended, and later backed by members, was: “Acknowledge that the scheme is required to be delivered, in light of climate change, the work undertaken to date and the results of the WG Roads Review and Pre Application Consultation. “However, taking into account the current financial climate and the immediate risk to the A487; pause the scheme prior to submitting planning application, and review the position in the next 18- 24 months.”

It also recommended maintain surveys of the scheme “with a view of future progression of the scheme to planning application as the scheme is required in the long term,” along with reviewing  “options available for short term improvements, including passing places and signage, to the division route implemented during road closures as a result of storm/ flooding impacts at Newgale through the Regional Transport Plan Funding,” and to “continue to review external funding options to support the delivery of the construction phase of the project”.

Mr Davies, who has supported the alternative proposals, said he was pleased that the Cabinet had halted its plans and urged the authority to give full consideration to the alternative community‑led scheme.

Mr Davies said: “Coastal erosion in Newgale has been a longstanding issue, and it’s crucial that any response is both effective and proportionate. The community has developed its own Newgale Beach Access and Shingle Bank Realignment Scheme which offers a less invasive approach that would significantly reduce costs for the council and local taxpayers.”

“Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet is right to stop its own scheme from going ahead and I now urge the Council to consider the community’s proposal, which strikes a far better balance between environmental protection, financial responsibility and the needs of local residents.”

AN AGREEMENT, securing the Ironman international triathlon competition in Pembrokeshire for up to the next five years has been backed despite concerns it can be a “massive pain” for some residents.

Since 2011, the annual Ironman event, based in Tenby, sees road closures and parking restrictions to many parts of the south of the county as thousands of athletes compete in a gruelling 2.3-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.

The event has grown into a major fixture on the international triathlon calendar, attracting athletes and spectators from across the world and, enhancing Pembrokeshire’s profile.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, presented by Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett at its February 9 meeting said: “The current Host Agreement with Ironman Wales for the event in Pembrokeshire is due to expire this year, with the 2026 event being the final event delivered under the existing arrangements.

“Ironman has submitted Heads of Terms proposing a new Host Agreement covering the period 2027 to 2029, including an option for a two-year extension subject to mutual agreement. Members are being asked to consider whether the Authority should enter into a new Host Agreement with Ironman for the period outlined above.”

It said a 2025 economic impact assessment, supplied by Ironman indicated athlete, spectator, supplier and Ironman expenditure for the event totalling just over £7.3million, the event involving  3,000 Ironman athletes and 2,000 Ironkids participants.

“Although there is no independent data, it is recognised and noted that the event does attract additional athlete training days and visits outside the event weekend, resulting in additional spend and economic benefit to the county, this would be additional above the economic impact assessment data, supporting the extension of tourism into the ‘shoulder’ season in September,” the report added.

Speaking at the meeting, Cabinet member Cllr Tessa Hodgson, whose Lamphey ward is included in the cycling part of the triathlon, said she had difficulty supporting the proposal, saying: “These events cause a huge amount of disruption in mine and other wards in the south of the county.”

She said there was a need to strike a balance between those who viewed the events as “a massive pain in the arse” and those benefitting, with small businesses that had to close for the duration as they were cut off from customers.

“The event is fantastic and does showcase the county but I’m looking for more balance and empathy for those affected; it’s about striking a balance and I’m not sure the balance is right at the moment.”

The report for members concluded: “Having reviewed the event provision against feedback received and overall benefits received to the county, it is recommended that the new Host agreement should be entered into and PCC continue to support the provision of Ironman Wales Pembrokeshire.”

Members supported the recommendation to enter into the Host Agreement for 2027-2029, with the option to extend for a further two years for 2030-2031, with seven members in favour and two against.