News

Milford Haven: Blackbridge biomass plant plans rejected

Published

7 years ago

June 29, 2018

Tom Sinclair

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a biomass plant at Blackbridge, Milford Haven, have been turned down today (Jun 27).

Egnedol, the company behind the plans, claimed that the site would create 500 jobs in the area.

However, there were concerns about the environmental impact of the site, as well as the company’s questionable track record and ability to see the project through to a successful completion.

If approved, the site would have been the biggest of its kind in the world, Egnedol had said.

The application has been refused following an 18-month process, with Clive Nield, the Planning Inspector, recommending that both the original and amended application be refused.

This recommendation was supported by Lesley Griffiths, the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs.

Among his concerns, Mr Nield cited ‘important shortcomings’ in the environmental data and the negative impact this may have on wildlife. He also said that it would be ‘unacceptably harmful to the character and appearance’ to the waterway.

An Egnedol spokesperson told The Herald: “Egnedol regrets the recent Welsh Government’s decision to turn down the proposed Biomass to Energy Facility and Eco-park project in Milford Haven.

“Whilst we were pleased to note that the Inspector had no adverse comments upon the proposed technology or upon its impact, we are sorry to note that the DNS application was rejected primarily on the basis of potential impact of three ship movements per week upon the wider marine environment. Egnedol find this particularly confusing as the site lies within an area designated by the Welsh Government for increased port and shipping use.

“Egnedol feel that the overwhelming economic benefits that this international inward investment would provide both for the environment and the local and national economy has not been considered within the decision and believe that this decision is totally inconsistent with the UK aspirations to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and to reduce carbon emissions.

“The investment would create a truly sustainable bio-refinery that is fully in line with UK Government aspirations.

“Egnedol’s team is reviewing the Decision in order to define the next steps.”

Before the plans were refused, Bettina Becker from Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth told The Herald: “We are shocked and dismayed that the Planning Inspectorate and the Health and Safety Executive continue to turn a blind eye to the safety of residents and workers in Milford Haven.”

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.