News

Haverfordwest: Bigger Lidl store plans approved

Published

8 years ago

September 7, 2016

Bigger Lidl: A render of what the new store will look like (pic. Boyes Rees Architects)

A NEW Lidl store will be built in Haverfordwest after plans were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee.

A previous application had come to the committee in February but those plans were refused because officers were unhappy with the design.

Since that meeting, the applicant has met with the council to discuss issues and yesterday (Sep 6), a new application was brought to the committee with a recommendation of approval.

It was considered by officers that the new design was ‘significantly better’ than what had been proposed on the last occasion.

As part of the plans, the current Lidl store on Perrots Road will be demolished as will the former Blands car garage to make way for the new store.

The access into the current site will also be closed off and a new entrance will be located on Thomas Parry Way with a new pedestrian access from Perrotts Road.

However, there were concerns over a shared use path which officers felt should be extended to improve public safety and imposed this condition on the recommendation.

The agent for the application said that Lidl did not think this was needed while some councillors said that the request was excessive.

A vote to remove that condition was passed by seven votes to five.

Agent Owain Griffiths said: “Since that decision in February, we have met with the council’s officers and worked closely with them to address and overcome the concerns previously raised, resulting in a revised application.

“Officers consider it to be an attractive design which would enhance this area of Haverfordwest and the conservation area.

“Lidl is willing to gift an area of land and extend the shared use path along Perrots Road and Thomas Parry Way, thus improving accessibility to the site for cyclists.

“However, officers are now seeking to impose a condition requesting an additional section of a shared use path to be provided on the southern side of Thomas Parry Way, along the frontage of the store together with a crossing point at the store’s access.

“This was raised with us last week but in our opinion there will be no change to pedestrian or cyclist travel line to warrant this additional section of shared use path and the request is considered unreasonable.

“This represents a multi-million pound investment which will regenerate this area, it will provide up to 40 jobs, doubling the existing store’s employment role as well as construction jobs and the replacement store will benefit consumers through increased choice and competition and will not have a detrimental impact on the town centre.”

Cllr Brian Hall said: “I was delighted that the initial application was refused, this is a drastic improvement. The only thing that does concern me is the shared use path and I think it’s essential. One of the conditions is the provision of a shared use path, can we insist the developers fill this in, regardless of the cost, this is a massive investment.”

Cllr Jacob Williams said: “I don’t believe the extension of the shared use path is necessary. The site as it is currently looks like an eyesore. I feel we are imposing this condition just because we can. I don’t think this is a priority.”

Cllr Keith Lewis thanked the agent for his co-operation with the council and added: “This will improve the site significantly. This is an important element in progressing the redevelopment of Haverfordwest. I am of the view that the shared use path is an excessive requirement.

Head of Planning David Fitzsimon asked for the committee’s trust in terms of the shared use path saying they have a duty to encourage sustainable travel patterns and that this was an essential piece of safety.

However, Cllr Williams responded saying that the extra burden was not necessary and moved that the condition be removed and that was seconded by Cllr Keith Lewis and passed by seven votes to five.

The plans without the imposed condition were approved by a unanimous vote.

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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’

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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/.