News
Angle turbines rejected
AN APPEAL by Rhoscrowther Windfarm Ltd against the refusal of planning permission for the construction of 5 wind turbines has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.
In a lengthy written decision, Planning Inspector Alwyn Nixon concluded that the impact of the plans on the natural and heritage environment of the area far outweighed any potential benefit from permitting the development to proceed.
The windfarm developers did not dispute that the turbines would significantly impact upon the landscape character for up to two kilometres from their proposed position. However, it argued that the proximity of other nearby industrial developments, specifically the Valero refinery, meant that the turbines would both complement and blend in to the setting.
That argument was rejected by the planning inspector, who described the case advanced as unconvincing. The Inspector determined: “The visual and spatial character of the proposed development is very different to the refinery; I do not consider that the development would be seen as complementary to the refinery, somehow assimilated into the landscape by the refinery’s presence or as a consolidation of what is already present.”
LANDSCAPE WOULD BE DISFIGURED
The Inspector further concluded that the pastoral nature of the landscape would be disfigured by the introduction of ‘prominent and large-scale man-made structures into the narrow wedge of pastoral landscape between the Valero refinery and the National Park’.
While objections had been received on a number of bases, including the potential of disturbing horses on neighbouring bridleways, several were rejected as being unsupported by evidence or overstated.
The key determining factor appears to be the impact of the development on the area around St Decumanus’ Church. In that respect, the Inspector concluded that the construction of the turbines would have a pervasive presence and would be ‘a prominent and distracting feature’ impinging on the secluded and peaceful nature of the Church and its grounds.
NO DECLINING NEED
However, the Inspector expressly rejected the argument advanced by the County Council in its original decision that the turbines were unnecessary as there was a declining need for energy from renewable resources. The Inspector suggests that the Council appears to view renewable targets as a limit to be reached, as opposed to a target to be achieved or exceeded.
In respect of the social and economic benefits of the scheme, the Inspector noted the potential for the creation of just over one full time equivalent job in Pembrokeshire as a result of the scheme’s development and further noted the community benefits that would flow from it, if approved.
The Inspector balanced the proposal against the local development plan, having rejected a suggestion made by the developer that proximity to Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven meant that it fell with the Ports’ energy-related development plan. He concluded, however, that none of those factors outweighed the ‘substantial visual harm’ to significant parts of the National Park. In particular, the Inspector highlighted the significant harm to the landscape around Angle Bay and Freshwater West.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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