News

Badger sett halts developer’s vehicles

Published

10 years ago

August 19, 2016

Disturbed: Badger sett

BUILDING work at a controversial housing development in St Florence has been curtailed following the discovery that developers had broken the law protecting badger setts.

The original development of land at Woodlands Close, St Florence, was narrowly approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, on the casting vote of then Planning Chair, Myles Pepper. The permission for building houses was granted despite the area for development being outside the local development plan (LDP) and in what amounted to open countryside.

A subsequent planning application granted permission for further properties to be built on the same site. Significant local opposition was ignored by County Hall planners, who approved the plans for further building works.

At the time the plans were approved in July 2015, one councillor, East Williamston’s Jacob Williams, said that there was a need for the sort of affordable housing that would be provided as part of the development.

Local member Phil Kidney strongly objected to the plans and was appalled by the absence of adequate local consultation, while Pennar councillor Tony Wilcox described the site visit as ‘bordering on farce’, as members of the Planning Committee were not able to view the whole site.

However, reserved matters were brought back to committee in April this year and further approvals granted for further properties to be built on the same site; bearing out the previous strong reservations of now Council Chair and then Planning Committee member, Tony Brinsden.

The current issue has arisen due to contractors widening a public footpath to permit vehicular access and the consequent disturbance of a large badger sett.

Castle Lane is a footpath and not accessible for vehicles. Along it, there is a main badger sett which starts in the right hand side of the hedge and goes into the land at the rear of Woodlands Close.

When building work first commenced for the first phase of Woodlands Close, the builders/ developers were made aware of this sett by the RSPCA as the building work was very close to one of the entrances.

The sett has eight entrances and is very active.

Badgers are a protected species, and to interfere or disturb a badger sett is a criminal offence.

As the second phase of construction has progressed, work has inched closer to the sett.

Large vehicles have used the footpath, while hedges were cut right back.

The Highways Act 1980, Section 72, provides that permission is necessary from the local authority to widen a footpath.

Despite the absence of any permission, or even an application for permission from the development company, Uzmaston Developments, large machinery was using the footpath in order to access the rear of Woodlands Close and digging had commenced.

The Badger Trust and RSPCA were alerted to the concern and visited the site on July 28, when the digging was stopped by the RSPCA.

The sett was found to have been encroached on all sides within about a metre, and damage had been done to the sett.

Critically, no environmental impact survey was done before planning was granted and a concerned resident told us that their understanding was that there was no explanation either why that step had not been taken.

The Herald understands that the Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer has been informed.

The footpath is currently being used as an access for a property already completed, even though no permission has been provided to permit such a step.

Entertainment

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

49 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN

A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.

The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.

The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.

“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.

“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.

Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.

Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.

November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.

The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.

Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.

Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.

“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”

Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.

Climate

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

52 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair