News
Leisure park extension deferred
AN APPLICATION to expand the New Minerton Leisure Park was deferred by councillors on Tuesday (Feb 24).
The application, to demolish an existing building and relocate 12 static caravans and add a further 20, was recommended for refusal by officers.
However, councillors indicated that they would be supportive of this development and a decision was made to defer to allow the Director of Development to look at the conditions if it was approved.
Agent Gerald Blaine said: “There are conflicts within the LDP policy as this falls down on the fact that it is outside a settlement boundary. We have checked all the parks for Pembrokeshire and we find that there isn’t any park that meets the criteria. There are no objections to this and we have support from Heatherton and Manor Park. The overall investment is that this park is going to make is £750,000.”
Cllr Brian Hall moved the recommendation for refusal and added: “Despite the countryside location of the site, it is considered that the proposal would not result in an unacceptable visual intrusion. The proposed development is contrary to the requirements of the development plan in that it represents an extension from a static caravan site outside of a settlement boundary.”
Cllr Jacob Williams said: “I am surprised at the recommendation. It is a well written report. It’s very positive about the application and it states that the relocation of the units would result in an environmental improvement. The amendments are sufficient to result in an improvement to the site and the landscape and therefore the development would represent a demonstrable environmental improvement. This is already a well-established business. They are looking to improve, increase the size of their site and this would bring more income to St Florence and the wider area. This is a really nice site. I don’t think this committee should be against that and we should we welcoming investment in any business which is already established and looking to do better. I support the application and I think there is more than enough that can outweigh the objections.”
Cllr Tony Wilcox added: “This is always going to have a positive effect. If you have 20 caravans there you will attract different kinds of people throughout the year. It would be a reprobate step not to approve this based purely on the economy of Pembrokeshire.”
Cllr Gwilym Price said: “I believe this will be beneficial to south Pembrokeshire and the Tenby area and I will be supporting the application on this.”
Cllr Rod Bowen also indicated he was minded to accept this saying: “We should be encouraging businesses to grow and I don’t think we are very far away from policy on this one.”
Cllr Peter Stock said: “This has got advantages for Pembrokeshire and tourism. This is an extension to help existing tourism. We’ve got to be top draw all the time to offer the facilities to be able to draw people in. This development is a progressive one and what we’ve got here will without a doubt be an advantage to us.”
Cllr Jacob Williams moved approval on the basis that the objection was outweighed by the economic benefits of the scheme and added that it was a natural expansion.
Cllr Tony Wilcox seconded Cllr Williams but the Director of Development indicated that because the committee was minded to approve the application, it should be deferred to look at some of the implications for the implementation.
That was moved by Cllr Rob Lewis and was supported unanimously by councillors.
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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