CALLS for permission to replace a decayed spiral staircase preventing access to the top of one of Pembrokeshire’s historic castles have been given the go-ahead.

Trustees of the T O Lewis Trust sought listed building consent to remove a deteriorating timber spiral staircase and replace it with an aluminium structure at the Grade-II-listed Hean Castle near Saundersfoot.

The application, submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park through agents Acanthus Holden Architects, also included proposals for pointing and masonry repairs to a flue turret, stair turret and south bay of the historic mansion.

A supporting statement submitted with the application said the works are intended to restore access to the castle’s main tower while reducing moisture damage affecting the narrow stone turrets.

The existing spiral staircase, believed to be original and standing around 13 metres high, has deteriorated significantly, particularly in its upper section.

The statement said: “The upper third of the wooden treads in the existing and very possibly the original spiral staircase are now badly decayed where they slot into the equally rotten stringers at this level, to the point that safe access to the turret top is no longer safe.”

Costly replacement

Applicants said replacing the staircase in timber would be difficult and expensive, with much of the original fabrication likely carried out on-site.

They added that accessing the turret externally at high level for repairs is extremely difficult, meaning only limited repointing work would be possible.

The statement warned that continued water ingress into the turret could quickly damage any new timber staircase.

Two replacement options were considered — aluminium and galvanised steel — with both carrying similar costs.

However, aluminium was selected as the preferred option.

The statement added: “An acceptable quote has been received for the supply of a sectional staircase with made-to-measure hardwood timber treads bolted to the newel brackets. The made-to-measure treads will allow us a degree of flexibility with regard to any variance in the diameter of the tube.”

Applicants said the proposed works would secure the building’s long-term sustainability, improve accessibility and address urgent structural concerns.

Saundersfoot Community Council raised no objections to the scheme.

The listed building consent application was conditionally approved by planning officers.

A FORMER Haverfordwest courthouse described as one of the finest buildings of its type in Wales is set to be transformed into a theatre after county planners gave the scheme the go-ahead.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee approved an application by Mr N Heywood for a change of use of part of Shire Hall, High Street, Haverfordwest, at its June meeting.

The Grade-II*-listed building was built in 1835 to the design of local architect William Owen. Cadw has described it as one of the finest buildings of its type in Wales.

The courtroom has also played an important role in the county’s legal history. According to Haverfordwest Civic Society, it hosted a number of major trials, including cases involving the Rebecca Rioters between 1840 and 1844.

The law courts later moved to Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest, and Pembrokeshire County Council subsequently granted a developer a 999-year lease on the building at a peppercorn rent.

Shire Hall housed restaurants on its upper floors in the early 2000s, with the last believed to have closed around 2010.

Cultural destination

The application says the theatre would “bring the vacant building back into a meaningful use,” helping to preserve the Grade-II*-listed building and support the regeneration of Haverfordwest town centre.

There would be no external changes to Shire Hall, although internal works are proposed. A separate listed building consent application has also been submitted.

The applicant’s agent, Ian Bartlett Planning and Architectural Services, confirmed the theatre would operate between 10:00am and 11:00pm.

Haverfordwest Town Council supported the scheme in principle but asked for the application to be considered by the planning committee, citing concerns about the lack of detail in the initial plans and the potential impact on the historic building.

Haverfordwest Civic Society raised similar concerns, saying members were “anxious that any new use should respect and conserve the integrity of the historic courtroom interior,” which remains substantially intact, including the judges’ bench, dock, witness box, public benches and associated fittings.

Historic use

An officer report recommending approval said the building’s former use as a courtroom meant it had historically been used for public assembly.

It stated: “The proposed use as a theatre would remain broadly compatible with the historic function of the courtroom as a place used for public congregation.

“The proposed use as a theatre would introduce audience-based occupation and periods of intensified use, however, this is not considered inherently dissimilar to the building’s historic use, with any internal alterations subject to the listed building consent application which is currently under consideration.

“In addition, bringing the building into use is likely to contribute positively to the preservation and maintenance of the historic building.”

At the meeting, Drew Baker, speaking as the end user of the theatre scheme, said the proposals would bring “one of the finest public buildings of its type in Wales” back “into meaningful use”.

He said the scheme represented an “investment in the cultural economy of Haverfordwest” and would create a “genuine cultural destination” in the town centre.

Members were told the related listed building consent application would deal with proposed interior changes, with the wider plans including a theatre, pizza restaurant and bar.

The application was approved by eleven votes to two. The listed building consent application is still being considered by planners.

Community rallies behind Pill shop owner after latest break-in adds to concerns over repeated attacks on local shops

MILFORD HAVEN residents are rallying behind the owner of AJ Store in Pill Lane after the independent shop was hit by another break-in.

The latest incident has left the shopkeeper facing repair and security costs just nine months after taking over the business.

Supporters say the owner has worked hard to keep the shop running and provide a valuable service to the local community, investing his own time, energy and savings into the business.

A fundraiser has now been launched, with the owner’s permission, to help towards repairs and improved security.

Community support

The appeal says: “Our local shop has recently suffered another break-in, leaving the owner facing repair and security costs that are difficult for a small independent business to manage.

“Having taken over the shop just nine months ago, he has worked hard to keep the business running and provide a valuable service to the local community.

“Following the latest incident, repairs and security improvements are needed to help protect the future of the business.”

Organisers said every donation, however small, would make a difference, and urged those unable to contribute to share the appeal with friends, family and local community groups.

Wider concerns

The break-in comes amid continuing concern about attacks on shops and small businesses in Milford Haven.

The Herald has previously reported on robberies and break-ins affecting traders in the town, including incidents in the Pill Lane and Charles Street areas.

Last year, Pill Corner Store was targeted three times in two months, while the nearby Pill Ship store was also robbed at knifepoint. In another case, the One Stop store in Charles Street was burgled, with tobacco, cigarettes, vapes and other items stolen.

Small independent shops are often left to deal not only with the financial cost of crime, but also the emotional strain and the cost of trying to improve security afterwards.

How to help

Residents wishing to support the AJ Store owner can donate through the community fundraiser here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-local-shopkeeper-get-back-on-his-feet

The appeal is titled “Help A Local Shopkeeper Get Back On His Feet – AJ Store, Pill Lane, Milford Haven” and says donations will go towards repairs and security improvements following the latest break-in

Targeted again: AJ Store in Pill Lane, Milford Haven (Pic: Supplied).