News

One planet scheme to produce furniture and mushrooms in woods

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A ONE PLANET DEVELOPMENT scheme to produce furniture and grow mushrooms in a Pembrokeshire wood is expected to get the go-ahead from planners next week.

The application for a smallholding at Cresselly Big Wood, Cresselly, has been submitted by Marcus Beck; it includes the construction of one dwelling, a workshop, barn, compost toilet, garden room, greenhouse, reed bed, pond and attenuation ponds with a parking area and internal tracks, within a five-year phased timescale.

Itis recommended for conditional approval by officers at the February 14 meeting of the planning committee.

It is planned to eventually offer open days and educational courses on site.

A report for planners states: “Employment of permaculture techniques and principles are proposed, to transform the woodland into a smallholding which specialises primarily in timber products and mushroom cultivation.”

The main enterprises are based around timber to make bespoke furniture and growing organic oyster mushrooms, with secondary enterprises relating to honey, charcoal, biochar, eggs, herbs and spices and training days, the report adds.

The scheme has been supported by local community councils Carew and Jeffreyston, with letters of support also received, along with letters of objection, including being out of character and a claimed impracticality of the application.

Planning permission was previously granted on March 1 of last year for a forestry building on the site, work on which has begun, which would form a wood storage building proposed as part of this application.

The report for committee members says the applicants currently produce 10 per cent of their own food needs from honey, eggs, preserves and fruit; growing food produce at a community garden in nearby Lawrenny.

“Based on the information provided it is considered that there is a possibility that the site could grow/rear at least 30 percent of food needs by year five, with the remaining 35 per cent bartered or purchased with income from the land based enterprises.

“Should the applicants cease to use the community garden for growing some of their food, their food needs could still be met from the application site alone.”

The application would be delegated to the head of planning to approve, subject to a string of conditions including a Section 106 agreement ensuring that the dwelling is tied to the land and that the applicants are the occupants of the site.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

21 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.