Local Government

Ombudsman confirms Woodham complaint still live after Cllr Dennison’s suspension

Published

11 minutes ago

June 7, 2026

Imperial Hall director Lee Bridges questions consistency after standards case linked to same Milford Haven planning dispute

THE PUBLIC SERVICES OMBUDSMAN FOR WALES has confirmed that a complaint concerning Cllr Guy Woodham remains under investigation following fresh questions raised by Imperial Hall director Lee Bridges.

The development follows last week’s Standards Committee hearing in which Cllr Alan Dennison was found to have breached the Members’ Code of Conduct and suspended for four months.

Same planning dispute

The Dennison case centred on the long-running planning dispute involving the former Masonic Hall, also known commercially as the Imperial Hall, in Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven.

The original planning row related to retrospective engineering works for an external dining area at the venue. The works had started in 2021 and later became the subject of a disputed planning process involving officers, councillors, the Planning Delegation Panel, and eventually the Ombudsman.

Cllr Dennison’s involvement arose when Cllr Terry Davies, the local member, sought help completing documentation to ask for the matter to be considered by elected councillors rather than determined by officers.

Cllr Dennison said he signed the referral form “pp” — per procurationem — on behalf of Cllr Davies, with his authority.

The call to send the application to committee was considered by the Planning Delegation Panel on February 25, 2025, but was unsuccessful. Officers later refused the application in June 2025 on heritage and conservation grounds, citing concerns over the historic environment.

The Standards Committee later found that Cllr Dennison had failed to declare personal and prejudicial interests, had no dispensation from the Standards Committee, and had made a written representation in relation to the matter.

Complaint remains live

Mr Bridges has now written to the Ombudsman asking for clarification about consistency and proportionality in the way complaints arising from the same planning dispute are being handled.

In his email, sent on June 3, Mr Bridges said the Dennison case involved a councillor who had assisted another elected member in completing paperwork, and who was not the decision-maker in respect of the planning application itself.

He contrasted that with his complaint concerning Cllr Woodham, which he says involves alleged undeclared interests while chairing and participating in the Planning Delegation Panel meeting connected to the Imperial Hall application.

Mr Bridges wrote: “Unlike the circumstances considered in the Dennison case, this concerns not simply the completion of paperwork but the alleged failure to declare interests whilst actively participating in, and chairing, a meeting directly connected to the matter in question and directly negatively affecting its outcome.”

He said he accepted that every case must be considered on its own facts, but asked whether his complaint was being afforded “the same level of scrutiny and investigative rigour” as the Dennison matter.

He also asked whether allegations involving undeclared interests and participation in decision-making processes were considered serious enough to warrant the same level of resource, legal support and enforcement action.

The Ombudsman’s confirmed that the Woodham complaint remains live and has not been dismissed.

The issue is likely to attract significant local attention because both complaints arise from the same planning dispute, but involve very different alleged conduct.

Dennison vows appeal

Cllr Dennison has strongly rejected the Standards Committee’s decision and says he intends to challenge the four-month suspension.

In a statement to residents of the North Ward, he said: “I wish to reaffirm my role as your County Councillor and to address what I believe to be a misinterpretation by the recent Standards Committee, a decision I plan to challenge vigorously.”

He said he had been approached in December 2024 by Cllr Terry Davies, who asked for help completing documentation due to personal circumstances limiting his availability.

Cllr Dennison said: “The application was correctly completed, received and accepted by the Head of Planning in this format, was placed before the planning delegation committee and ultimately, it was denied thereby concluding the matter.”

He said the complaint against him had been lodged by Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet member for Planning, because of Dennison’s prior interactions with Mr Bridges.

He described the complaint as containing “false accusations” and “vexatious comments”, although he said the Monitoring Officer did not agree with his observations.

Cllr Dennison said the Ombudsman was represented at the hearing by a barrister, while he had no legal representation.

He said: “As constituents, you might reasonably perceive a bias from the council, especially considering it was their own Assistant Chief Executive who reported me to the Ombudsman.”

‘PP’ signature defence

Cllr Dennison said his defence was based on the legal meaning of “pp”, arguing that when someone signs with authority on behalf of another person, the named person remains the principal and owner of the document.

He said: “The application was correctly completed, received and accepted by the Head of Planning in this format.”

Cllr Dennison also said part of the evidence against him related to his attendance at the Planning Delegation Panel meeting.

He said he was in the public gallery, responded to a question from Cllr Woodham, and did not otherwise participate.

He added: “I was surprised when the Chair solicited the Ombudsman’s barrister for a recommendation on an appropriate penalty, disregarding my legal arguments based on case law.”

Fresh conflict claims

Cllr Dennison also raised further concerns about possible conflicts elsewhere in the process.

He said: “Ironically, the Assistant Chief Executive who reported me to the Ombudsman has responsibility for Scolton Manor, a PCC-owned wedding venue which could potentially benefit financially should other wedding venues fail.

“Similarly, Cllr Woodham, who chaired the Planning Delegation Committee and exercised his casting vote with full awareness of the potential repercussions for Mr Bridges, served as Treasurer and is married to the Chair of a competing wedding venue located less than a mile from Mr Bridges’ establishment.

“It appears that I am not the only one neglecting to declare a conflict of interest in this situation. It’s a funny old world.”

Those remain allegations made by Cllr Dennison.

Bridges criticises process

Mr Bridges has also strongly criticised the handling of the planning matter and the standards process.

In his statement, he said the matter “stems entirely” from his request for Cllr Terry Davies to submit an appeal as the elected member for the ward in which his business is located.

He said Cllr Davies was unable to complete paperwork within the deadline due to family circumstances and sought help from Cllr Dennison.

Mr Bridges said: “Councillor Dennison simply assisted in completing the paperwork and signed it on behalf of Councillor Davis with his authority.

“At no stage did Councillor Dennison have any involvement whatsoever in the decision-making process relating to the outcome of the matter in question. Consequently, there was no declarable interest requiring disclosure.”

Mr Bridges said it was “deeply concerning” that the issue appeared to be “being used as part of what can only be perceived as a personal campaign against Councillor Dennison”.

He also criticised what he described as “excessive bureaucracy, inconsistency” and “serious concerns about transparency and fairness within County Hall.”

When previously asked Cllr Guy Woodham, who recently stepped down from the Cabinet due to ill health, said he was unable to comment whilst the matter was under investigation.

Local Government

Building better culture: Public invited to help shape regional vision

Published

3 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS across Mid and West Wales are being invited to help shape a new cultural vision for the region.

Powys, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire councils have joined forces through the Mid and West Wales Strategic Culture Partnership, which is being led by Powys County Council.

The partnership is developing a long-term plan for culture across the region, following the Welsh Government’s Priorities for Culture, published in May 2025.

The project aims to bring communities together, celebrate Wales as a nation of culture and create new opportunities for residents, creative groups and organisations.

A regional Cultural Vision and four local Cultural Priority Plans are due to be completed by October 2026. These will support collaboration and investment in culture across the region over the next five years.

Public views sought

Residents, community groups, creatives and organisations are being encouraged to share their views on what culture means to them.

The consultation is being delivered through the Cwlwm project, Golwg Creadigol, with a series of drop-in sessions and evening workshops taking place during June.

Sessions will explore different interpretations of culture, including arts, theatre, heritage, libraries, local events, language and community life.

All sessions are open to everyone, with Welsh and English language options available.

Pembrokeshire sessions will take place at Fishguard Town Hall on Thursday (Jun 11), with a drop-in session from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm, followed by an evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

A second Pembrokeshire session will be held at Pembroke Dock Library on Monday (Jun 22), with a drop-in session from 11:00am to 5:00pm and an evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

‘Bursting with creativity’

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “Mid and West Wales is bursting with creativity, heritage and community spirit, and this exciting partnership is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and build on that together.

“By working across four counties, we can be more ambitious, more innovative and create a cultural vision that truly showcases everything our region has to offer.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible — residents, community groups, artists and organisations — so that together we can build a cultural future that is inclusive, ambitious and rooted in what matters most to our communities.

“So please attend one of our sessions in Pembrokeshire or share your views via the online questionnaire.”

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said the partnership was “an exciting opportunity” to build a shared vision reflecting the region’s rich culture.

She said: “I would encourage residents, community groups and creatives to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of culture in our region.”

Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, Cllr Catrin M S Davies, said: “Our culture belongs to us, helps to define us, and is an integral part of our communities — locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“This is a great opportunity for the people of Ceredigion and beyond to have their say on culture in the future. We want to hear as many voices as possible.”

Powys Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, Cllr Raiff Devlin, said culture played an important role in strengthening local identity, supporting wellbeing and creating opportunities.

He added: “This is a real opportunity for people across Powys to help shape the future of culture across Mid and West Wales, so I’d strongly encourage everyone to take a few moments to share their views.”

How to take part

The full list of sessions includes:

Thursday (Jun 11): Fishguard Town Hall, drop-in from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Monday (Jun 22): Pembroke Dock Library, drop-in from 11:00am to 5:00pm and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Monday (Jun 29): Carmarthen Library, drop-in from 11:00am to 5:00pm and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Residents can also complete the online questionnaire through Ceredigion County Council’s website.

The closing date for responses is Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Local Government

Pembroke Dock Market by-election notice to be published

Published

3 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS in Pembroke Dock Market ward are being advised that a Notice of Election will be published on Thursday (Jun 4).

Anyone wishing to stand for election must submit nomination papers to the Returning Officer between Thursday (Jun 4) and Friday (Jun 12), between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

Further details about the nomination process will be included in the Notice of Election when it is published.

Nomination papers can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or by calling the Elections Helpline on 01437 775844.

The Statement of Persons Nominated will be published after nominations close. If the election is contested, polling will take place on Thursday, July 9.

Anyone interested in becoming a councillor can find more information on the Democratic Services section of Pembrokeshire County Council’s website.

Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by midnight on Tuesday, June 23. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Returning Officer Will Bramble said: “I would urge ward residents to register to vote and vote in the upcoming election.”

Poll cards will be sent to electors before polling day and will show which polling station they should attend.

Education

Tenby school needs new roof just ten years after opening

Published

3 days ago

June 4, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

FURTHER discussion are to take place about where pupils from a Pembrokeshire school will go while its roof is rebuilt after failing when it was less than 10 years old.

Tenby VC School, a 3–11 English-medium primary school with an additional Learning Resource Centre (LRC) provision, was built in 2016.

Just a few years after its build, there were reports of water ingress.

In November 2024, a £75,000 feasibility budget to look at ways of tackling roof leaks at Tenby’s VC school, including a complete new roof, was backed by members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet.

The council implemented a series of urgent health and safety measures to mitigate immediate risks, including the installation of 510 ‘acro’ props to support vulnerable roof areas and the full closure of the Early Years/Playgroup wing, along with regular inspections.

At the November 2025 Cabinet meeting, members received a report detailing the findings of the feasibility study, with a favoured option of the replacement of entire roof, backing tenders for the works being sought.

It was warned there would need to be a “a comprehensive decant strategy” for pupils to go elsewhere while the works took place.

At the June 2026 Cabinet meeting, in a report presented by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration Cllr Paul Miller, members were asked to approve the award of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) for Stage 1 of the Tenby VC School Roof Replacement Project following tendering; Morgan Sindall Construction the most successful applicant.

Stage 2 construction contract will only proceed following a separate formal approval based on market tested packages, validated cost plans, and an assessment of value for money, a report for members said.

Members were also asked to consider which decant strategies are to be considered for detailed feasibility, in order to enable the roof replacement works to take place.

Seven initial options have now been narrowed down to five the report said.

Options include: decanting the whole school to Saundersfoot CP and Stepaside Schools while retaining Tenby VC as a separate entity at a cost of some £0.5m a year; distribute Tenby VC pupils across multiple local schools across the wider Tenby cluster; decant to nearby comprehensive Greenhill School which currently has 302 surplus places; establish a modular village at the northern boundary of Greenhill School, a self-contained modular village adjacent to Heywood Lane, comprising nine classrooms and associated facilities for Tenby VC; and a hybrid model combining the modular village and Greenhill accommodation.

Two earlier options of a modular village on alternative council owned land in Tenby and a modular village on the Tenby VC site have been discounted.

Members agreed to further consideration on the ‘decant’ strategy, subject to a more detailed feasibility exercise, a final decant proposal be brought to Cabinet for consideration, along with the setting aside of up to £75,000 to support the final proposal; Cllr Miller saying there were, in effect, two options for the building: to replace the roof “or don’t, and effectively abandon that site”.

“A roof completely failing on a 10-year-old building is completely bad news, but we have 180 children being educated in a building that is no longer fit for purpose, and we have to get on with it.”

A further report will be brought to Cabinet at the conclusion of Stage 1 to seek approval for entering the Stage 2 construction contract.