News

Retrospective planning permission for care facility on farm submitted to council

Published

3 years ago

April 4, 2023

AN APPLICATION to turn an outbuilding, erected without permission, into part of a proposed activity centre for children and young adults with care needs has been submitted to county planners.

Mr and Mrs Horton of Bryngwyn Chalet farm, Star, are seeking retrospective planning permission for an outbuilding to provide a changing area and WC amenities, to support client one-to-one outdoor activities.

The application also includes a partial change of use of a former farm paddock, for use as an outdoor activity area to a provide client interaction area with onsite farm animals and outdoor activities.

A report for planners by Atriarc Planning said Mr and Mrs Horton were seeking planning permission for a new not-for-profit enterprise being developed by their granddaughter Charlotte, a care assistant at Pembrokeshire County Council.

The outbuilding itself was built between January and July 2021, and has been used for storage and domestic purposes.

“As the building was erected without the benefit of planning permission, this application seeks to retrospectively retain the outbuilding for use by Charlotte’s new not-for-profit enterprise, to provide a changing room, WC conveniences and ancillary use associated with the care-farm outdoor activities proposed on site.”

It adds: “Charlotte is looking to open a not-for-profit, carefarm activity centre on site, to provide an area for one-to-one client activities at the smallholding.

“The purpose of the activity centre is to allow children and young adults with care needs the opportunity to engage with the natural environment and to encourage outdoor activities to promote mental health and well-being.

“The care farm would support and work with children and adults of all ages, for example, individuals with complex needs, autism, epilepsy and other health conditions, to engage in outdoor activities to “promote positive well-being.

“It is important to note that the proposed development is for a not-for-profit business and would be undertaken on a pre-arranged, one-to-one basis, thus restricting visitor numbers to up to three clients per day.”

Alongside the retention and change of use of the outbuilding, an activity area would be provided within the existing paddock to the south-west of the outbuilding, the application adds.

The paddock/ activity area would provide an area to allow clients the opportunity to engage with the farm animals, horses, cattle and sheep.

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

21 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.