News
Heatherton expansion approved
• Committee overturns officers’ objections
• Economic benefits outweigh other impacts
• Conditions must not delay development
THE COUNCIL’s Planning Committee voted to approve plans to extend holiday accommodation at Heatherton at its meeting on Tuesday (June 15).
Officers recommended refusal of the plans.
During their discussions, the Committee’s members noted the reasons for refusal detailed by the planning report. They concluded, however, with appropriate conditions in place, the economic benefits of the development outweighed the bases outlined for refusal.
Addressing the meeting, the applicant, Charlie Davies, told Committee members that the changing holiday market meant Heatherton and the area around it would miss out on opportunities to meet the demand for holidays in Pembrokeshire. He added that the planned expansion – to include a further twenty holiday lodges – would secure year-round jobs at Heatherton and have a positive impact on the local rural economy.
Mr Davies said the existing lodge development, approved by the authority seven years ago, improved the viability of Heatherton as an enterprise and would further strengthen the business’ finances.
Officers objected to the plans because they said the development would be outside settlement boundaries and run contrary to environmental policy.
The report, presented by the Head of Planning David Popplewell, set out a series of concerns regarding the lodges’ visual impact, a lack of screening, and the lack of detail about landscaping plans and construction controls during development.
However, addressing the Committee as one of the local members whose Ward would be affected by the development, Cllr Phil Kidney said St Florence Community Council vigorously supported the application as being of direct benefit to businesses in the village.
He pointed out that the economic benefits were not only Tenby centric but affected businesses elsewhere in the County.
Phil Kidney told the Committee his visit to a laundry in Pembroke Dock, by chance, revealed that laundry he delivered would be delayed because of laundry being done for the accommodation already on site.
Cllr Kidney added that, bearing in mind the current furore over second homes, the provision of holiday accommodation on sites such as Heatherton could reduce the demands on local housing and open-up opportunities for local people to live locally.
He fully endorsed the proposal and said he could see no downside to permitting further expansion of a business that delivered jobs to local people, especially young people entering the jobs market for the first time.
Cllr Jonathan Preston agreed with Cllr. Kidney.
He observed that the regulations regarding what constituted ‘a caravan’ were out of date and out of touch with reality.
Although the proposed lodges were technically caravans; they were a world away from what most people would expect a caravan to look like and beyond the vision that informed the current rules regarding the term.
Cllr Mark Carter said the problems identified in the planning report could be addressed through the imposition of conditions on the development to offset them.
Mark Carter pointed out issues regarding the detail of landscaping works and lighting could be subject to conditions drafted by officers.
His opinion was warmly welcomed by both Cllrs David Pugh and Vice-Chair Tony Wilcox.
David Pugh said Heatherton was a successful business, employing local people and should be encouraged to continue to offer job opportunities for locals.
Tony Wilcox said Heatherton was one of the three main jewels in Pembrokeshire’s tourist crown.
He noted the other two destinations – Folly Farm and Bluestone – both recently applied to extend their facilities, and he could see little or no difference between what Heatherton proposed and what officers were prepared to accept elsewhere.
Cllr Tim Evans developed Cllr Wilcox’s theme, observing that officers barely raised an eyebrow about a further eighty pieces of holiday accommodation at Bluestone, which he said had ‘whizzed through’.
Subject to conditions being brought back to the Committee, he fully supported the application.
Cllr Jacob Williams, Chair of Planning, asked whether the proposed conditions would be back before the Committee for its next meeting in July.
Having received an equivocal answer he moved that if the Committee approved the scheme, with the proposed planning conditions to offset officers’ objections must come before the Committee on July 27.
Cllr Pugh endorsed that approach by saying nobody wanted the proposal kicked into the long grass.
Councillors approved the plans unanimously by 14 votes to nil, and officers must prepare conditions to attach to the planning permission ahead of the Committee’s next meeting.
WITH the summer holidays on the horizon, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is once again preparing to open its doors for a season of creativity, performance and fun.
Whether you’re planning an exotic getaway or opting for a staycation closer to home, the Torch’s popular Summer Schools promise to fill August with exciting activities and memories to last a lifetime.
Over the years, the Torch Theatre has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality summer programmes for children and young people. Now, with the addition of an adult summer school, the Torch is proud to offer something for everyone aged seven and over.
“Come and join our fun-packed creative sessions, which include performing in our studio theatre for family and friends,” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch. “We’ve got opportunities for adults and children to get inspired and express themselves artistically. With storytelling adventures, plays produced in a week, and workshops on writing, directing and performance, we know there’s something for everyone.”
Mr Howe added: “Led by professionals with international experience and top drama school training, our summer schools are open to all. There’s no audition, and no previous experience is needed. We’re committed to inclusivity and will make reasonable adjustments so that everyone can enjoy a fulfilling experience.”
The Torch Summer Schools 2025:
Dramatic Detectives
For Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7–11)
A series of mysterious crimes has rocked the land of make-believe. But what happened, who’s responsible, and can it be stopped in time? Through creative play and storytelling, children will work together to crack the case.
Sessions run daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Monday 4 to Friday 8 August.
Playmakers
For Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11–18)
Take on the exciting challenge of learning and performing a contemporary play in just one week. Participants will get involved in every aspect of the production – from casting and costumes to props and music.
Sessions run from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday 11 to Friday 15 August.
Show Off!
Ages 18+
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, the adult summer school offers a supportive environment to explore writing, performance and direction. The programme concludes with a showcase performance in the studio theatre.
Evening sessions run from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Thursdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 August, with a final performance on Saturday 30 August.
Tim concluded: “Our Summer Schools are always incredibly popular, so early booking is recommended. You can find more information and book your place at www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call our friendly Box Office team on 01646 695267.”
What are you waiting for? Try something new this summer – and make the Torch Theatre part of your August adventure.
New home and garden retailer takes over former Homebase site
A MAJOR new retail store is set to open in Haverfordwest this week, bringing a fresh option for shoppers and garden enthusiasts alike.
The Range, a popular UK home, leisure, and garden chain, will officially open its new store at Springfield Retail Park on Fishguard Road on Friday (Apr 25). The store has taken over the former Homebase unit, which closed its doors in March last year after a clearance sale emptied its shelves.
The Pembrokeshire store is one of more than 50 former Homebase locations being transformed by The Range’s parent company, CDS (Superstores International), as part of a national expansion. CDS acquired around 70 sites across the UK and Ireland, aiming to safeguard approximately 1,600 jobs following Homebase’s financial collapse.
Customers in Haverfordwest can expect a wide selection of products across homeware, DIY, and seasonal gardening, with the store also boasting a new Homebase-branded garden centre.
The Range has confirmed that the new Haverfordwest branch will be a dog-friendly store, with special offers on opening day including free goody bags for the first 50 customers through the door – and even treats for the first five dogs to visit.
“We’re excited to welcome shoppers to our newest store,” said a spokesperson for The Range. “Come and explore a wide range of products, exclusive offers, and the brand-new Homebase Garden Centre.”
Although social media posts suggest an official opening time of 9:00am on Friday, the store is expected to open its doors slightly earlier at 8:30am. Opening hours for the weekend are listed as 8:30am to 8:00pm on both Friday and Saturday, and 1:30pm to 4:30pm on Sunday (Apr 27).
Regular hours have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be similar to The Range’s Carmarthen store, which opens from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 10:30am to 4:30pm on Sundays.
Concert, quiz and information day to encourage open conversations around death
THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice at home charity, will host a series of community events during Dying Matters Week 2025 to encourage open conversations around death, dying and bereavement.
The week begins with a community concert at St Mary’s Church, Haverfordwest, on Monday (May 5) at 1:00pm. The event will feature performances by the Paul Sartori Community Choir and aims to highlight the importance of discussing end-of-life matters through the power of music.
On Thursday (May 8), an Information and Activities Day will take place at The Third Place, Milford Haven, from 10:00am to 2:30pm. Organised in partnership with PAVS and Pembrokeshire County Council, the day will offer access to resources, expert advice and informal discussions on end-of-life planning. The event also includes a guided walk and craft activities to promote creative expression around themes of loss and preparation.
The week concludes on Friday (May 9) with The Dead Good Quiz at Yr Hen Ysgol in Dinas Cross. A light-hearted but thought-provoking event, the quiz offers a fun night out with friends while gently encouraging conversations about what many find difficult to discuss.
The events are organised by the Paul Sartori Foundation’s Future Care Planning department. Mandy Jones, a community worker with the project, said: “Having a future care plan in place means that you can take charge of what happens to you should you become seriously unwell and are unable to express your wishes. It also gives guidance to families and helps ease stress at a very difficult time. These community events aim to inform and empower people to have autonomy over their future health and wellbeing.”
The Paul Sartori Foundation was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori and continues to provide hospice care services across Pembrokeshire. The charity’s mission is to promote sustainable, high-quality end-of-life care, enabling people to remain in the comfort of their own homes.
For more details on the events and the work of the Paul Sartori Foundation, visit www.paulsartori.org/events.
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