News

Site change agreed despite concerns

Published

7 years ago

December 23, 2016

Cllr Jacob Williams: “In an ideal world it would be used as a nature trail”

COUNCILLORS have unanimously agreed to a change of use of the former Pentlepoir School site for the sale and display of mobile homes.

The application came before the Planning and Rights of Way Committee on Tuesday, December 13, after local member Cllr Jacob Williams successfully argued for it to come to the Committee.

Residential homes surround the site and those living closest had a number of concerns about the proposed development.

However, the agent for the application said he was happy to meet with residents to explain the proposed site operations in detail and other issues including fencing.

One of the main concerns relates to a loss of privacy but the agent also mentioned the possibility of putting a fence up to protect residents.

There will also be a warehouse on the site which will be used for small repairs and not heavy mechanical repairs as had been feared.

The site was previously tested for residential housing and a planning application was approved in 2013 but this never came to fruition.

Objecting to the new plans, Mr Peter Scougall said: “As you will know from the petition and letters sent to the planning director, residents in properties which completely surround the site do not want a seven-day commercial enterprise established next to their homes.

“It is therefore hoped that you do not grant approval but should you grant approval, I would ask that you impose the following conditions to satisfy the concerns of the residents; no weekend hours of business – the former school was obviously a Monday-Friday operation; no two-storey building for the office cafe and no workshop taller than a bungalow.

“Allowing these would contravene existing approval and set a wrong precedent. Any security lighting should be limited so the site is not completely floodlit and the access to be gated for the purpose of security and locked at close of business.

“Screening in a form acceptable to residents to be provided. This is a major issue and the site layout plan does not show the closeness of surrounding properties. There is a huge visual impact and the site is visible from the rear of many properties.

“This proposal will not contribute to the regeneration of the community and would add to the traffic problem on a busy main road.”

Cllr Jacob Williams said: “There have been concerns with the redevelopment of the site. I never foresaw that this site could be used for this use; in an ideal world it would be used as a greenfield or nature trail but the council cannot dictate what the land is used for.

“This is a very unusual site to become available; it is surrounded by housing and it is a prime site for the use they are proposing. We are where we are and I am somewhat reassured today that the applicant said this isn’t going to be used for industrial use that I feared when I heard there was a warehouse there.”

Cllr Williams added that he could not see any additional traffic problems and that he was pleased to see the lay-by at the entrance to the site kept.

Cllr Brian Hall suggested deferring the matter to see if issues could be resolved but this was not supported and he went on to ask if the officers could discuss with the applicants the possibility of reducing the height of some of the buildings.

Head of Planning Mr David Popplewell said that there would be discussions with the applicant following the meeting.

Cllr Hall then moved the recommendation with the matters regarding fencing and drainage and lighting be brought back to the Committee at a later date.

Cllr Myles Pepper also asked whether the hours of the cafe also proposed for the project could be limited to the same hours for the sale of caravans.

It was pointed out that they could do this but the applicant had not submitted any hours at this time.

Cllr Keith Lewis said: “It seems that this ticks all the boxes and I see no real reason why we should bring this scheme in delegating the areas that are listed. I would like to see this scheme approved as or otherwise.”

Cllr Williams responded: “What I have been doing is trying to alleviate the concerns in the way of attaching conditions and also asking for it to come back to the Committee.”

The application, with the three issues of fencing, drainage and lighting to come back to the Committee, was approved by a unanimous vote.

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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.”