News
Goodwick: Planning Committee approves homes for over 55s
AN application for 26 homes to be built on land at Goodwick Industrial Estate has been approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Planning Committee.
The homes have been designated for over 55s and there will also be a requirement for the homes to be used as a primary residence.
24 of the 26 homes would be two bedroom homes with the other two being one bedroom homes while 14 of the 26 would have a ramp.
The developers have also been asked to make a contribution to affordable housing and a legal agreement will also need to be finalised.
The homes would also be partially built on land which had previously been designated as ’employment use’ but the committee heard how there had been previous approval for homes to be built on that land in 2006.
At the Committee meeting on Tuesday (Jul 26), Cllr John Cole was concerned about the homes being used as holiday homes but he was told that there was a condition which said the houses should be a primary residence.
The local member, Cllr Nicola Gwynn, said she was ‘conflicted’, stating that houses were needed but that she had ‘reservations’ about the park homes.
She said: “I’ve heard what the presentation has said about it not being out of character for the area because the site looks a mess anyway but I don’t think the park home mock-up that was shown was particularly inspiring, it looks a bit like a caravan park.”
Cllr Mark Carter asked about the affordable home contribution, stating that as the homes would be relatively low value, would they not be classed as affordable homes.
Mr David Popplewell told the committee that they were not of the view that these would constitute affordable homes as although they were not the same value they would still be market properties.
Cllr Carter then moved the application for approval and Cllr Brian Hall seconded.
Cllr Alistair Cameron was concerned that they would be losing some employment land and asked if that was considered as a risk?
Mr Popplewell added that there was an approval in 2006 for a residential development. At that time the old Dewhirst factory was still on site but developers chose to demolish it.
He also added that there was another parcel of land allocated for employment use which would be available.
Cllr Aaron Carey asked if the park homes could potentially affect plans for a factory being built on the employment land in future, adding that some residents wouldn’t want a factory being built next to them
Mr Popplewell said that the site was already in close proximity to Goodwick Industrial Estate and added that there wouldn’t be any additional adverse impact.
Having listened to the debate, Cllr Gwynn voted for approval and the application was approved unanimously.
Delegated authority was also given for the application to be approved once the legal agreement is finalised.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
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
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’
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.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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