News

Substation built without planning

Published

10 years ago

March 31, 2014

Residents concern about solar farm development

LOCAL residents in Lower Thornton, Milford Haven, have expressed concerns about a solar power development that will engulf three farms and may have an adverse effect on the health of those closely situated to it.

Speaking with The Herald, local campaigner Lynne Hughes described the situation: “We knew of the development, but this was supposed to be located some way further down the field facing my home. However, six weeks ago we saw the company, Good Energy Generation Ltd, had started to build the electricity sub-station a hundred metres from our house. We understand this was because they were originally too close to the Murco pipeline.”

She went on to question whether or not the energy company had planning permission for this move.

“I spoke to planning officer Simon Hughes who said he didn’t know anything about it. He advised us he would take pictures and refer it back to his office and overseeing case officer Mike Simmonds.

“Eventually, after sending them two emails, they came back to me advising that they had applied for planning permission and we, the residents, had until the April 3 to contest this. This gave us just four weeks which we question. Is this a long enough period and, indeed, as this is surely an industrial project, should we not be entitled to a longer period of consultation before planning permission is granted?”

Lynne Hughes said she was surprised that on the original planning application a question asking whether local residents had been contacted or not had been ticked ‘No’ by Good Energy and that “they appear to have just gone ahead and built it anyway”.

She told The Herald that a petition signed by over a hundred residents that was handed in to a council planning meeting was ‘just ignored’.

Asked what her concerns over this development were, she said:

“The question to the council is are they aware of the potential health risks posed by this development?”

In response to these concerns, Pembrokeshire County Council responded: “The application by Good Energy Rose Cottage for a Solar Photovoltaic Farm on land at Rose Cottage Farm, Woodson Farm and Tierson Farm at Tiers Cross, was approved by the Planning and Rights of Way Committee on October 1, 2013, and included the building of an electrical sub-station.

“However, although they had been consulted prior to the application being considered and raised no objections, Murco subsequently voiced concerns that the sub-station was within 10 metres of a pipeline. As a result, Good Energy submitted an application on February 18 to re-site the sub-station a further 120 metres from the pipeline. That application is currently being considered. If work has begun on constructing the sub-station prior to the issuing of planning permission, then that is at the developer’s own risk”.

Scientific surveys have suggested that solar power can pose certain health risks to people with special disabilities, including adverse effects on children with ADHD. Mrs Hughes pointed out that she has family that could be directly affected by this.

A meeting has been arranged for all residents to have their say on the matter next Wednesday, March 26, at the Christian Fellowship Church in Milford Haven.

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

11 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Crime

Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop

Published

14 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.

A window was smashed and the door handle broken.

Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

News

Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.

They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.

A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.

This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.

If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.