News

Chalets plans to go to full council despite twice-backed by planners

Published

3 years ago

May 24, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN APPLICATION to build holiday chalets at a trout fishery in north Pembrokeshire will have to be considered for a fourth time, despite planners backing the scheme twice in a row.

Plans to provide nine accommodation cabins and ancillary works at a former fishery business at Millbrook, Manorwen, Fishguard, were backed at yesterday’s May 23 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council planning committee, despite being recommended for refusal for a third time.

Last month, members of the county council’s planning committee said they were ‘minded to approve’ the application.

The cautious approval – made following a site visit proposed at the previous meeting – meant it would return to this committee for ratification.

Members were also told that any full approval at the May meeting would mean the decision, a departure from the adopted Local Development Plan, would have to be formally advertised and referred to full council for a final decision.

Officers have repeatedly recommended the application by Messrs L & C Williams – diversification of an existing agricultural holding and trout fishery business – be refused on the grounds it would have an unacceptable adverse impact on the character and appearance of the countryside.

A report for planners said commercial farming at the site ended in 1998, but that use of the pond as a recreational trout fishery, which commenced in 1994, had continued to date.

However, it added there is no ready evidence of recent use for recreational fishery on-site.

Speaking at the May meeting, local member Councillor Delme Harris said: “I’m a bit disappointed that we’ve come back again with the recommendation to refuse rather than working with potential developers in how we can get these things ‘over the line’.”

He said backing the application would be “supporting a Pembrokeshire family investing in our area, bringing people into our area and giving much-needed support for the people of Fishguard and Goodwick”.

Councillor Brian Hall – normally a support of officer recommendations by his own admission – had previously moved approval at the April meeting, did so again.

“I’m not a fisherman, my idea of fish is wrapped in a daily newspaper; if I was a fisherman, I would’ve liked to go to a place like this,” said Cllr Hall.

He added: “I think it would definitely bring more benefit to the area and the economy; I have no hesitation in moving we approve this application today.”

Some other members raised their concerns about a departure from planning policy by supporting the application, with Councillor Michael Williams feeling there were no strong arguments to do so.

Members voted to go against officers’ recommendations to refuse by nine votes to four.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.