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Blue Gem Wind successfully completes surveys for 100MW Erebus test and demo project

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BLUE GEM WIND the renowned joint venture between TotalEnergies and Simply Blue Group, has announced the successful completion of offshore geotechnical and metocean surveys for the highly anticipated 100MW Erebus Test & Demonstration Project. The campaign, led by Fugro, involved comprehensive data acquisition using cutting-edge techniques to inform the project’s design and construction phases.

Under the guidance of Fugro, the surveys encompassed the acquisition of sub-seabed data through various methods, including borehole, vibrocore, and cone penetration test techniques. Fugro Scout was employed for the offshore scope, while the Aran® 120 jack-up barge was utilized for the nearshore locations. The collected samples will now undergo meticulous laboratory testing and analysis, with the resulting data playing a crucial role in the detailed design of offshore cables, anchoring, and other necessary preparations for the upcoming construction phase.

Julius Besterman, Technical Manager at Blue Gem Wind, expressed his satisfaction with the completed campaign, stating, “The geotechnical sampling covered a wide range of areas, including our proposed landfall site, cable corridor, and array area. In addition to Fugro’s marine survey activity, we also successfully completed the second year of offshore floating LiDAR wind and metocean data acquisition, led by Eolos. Furthermore, our onshore met mast, overseen by Solar Wheel, was demobilized after two years of operation. These accomplishments mark the successful culmination of the planned development phase surveys for Erebus, providing us with a comprehensive data set that will greatly inform our floating wind designs.”

Dennis Koenen, Fugro’s Service Line Director Geotechnical for Europe and Africa, expressed pride in delivering state-of-the-art solutions to support the responsible design and installation of offshore assets. He emphasized Fugro’s commitment to Wales’ energy transition and hailed the collaboration with Blue Gem Wind, recognizing the importance of their partnership in future developmental phases of the Erebus project.

Blue Gem Wind, in partnership with TotalEnergies and Simply Blue Group, aims to revolutionize offshore energy development in the UK by spearheading floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea. The joint venture, established in March 2020, strives to contribute to climate change targets, generate high-skilled jobs, diversify the supply chain, and enhance energy security in the region.

For more information about Blue Gem Wind and its endeavors, please visit their official website at https://www.bluegemwind.com/.

 

Business

Tudor Glen Caravan Park Pembrokeshire planning call

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A CALL for a Pembrokeshire caravan site to be allowed static caravans in lieu of touring ones, which the applicant says was allowed back in 1988, has been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Keith Stevens of Tudor Glen Caravan Park, Jameston, through agent Lambe Planning & Design Ltd, seeks a certificate of lawfulness of an existing use of the site to establish the status of a 1988 planning permission.

Essentially what that means is the applicant is seeking confirmation of details of that permission as to whether it includes static or touring caravans.

A supporting statement says: “Tudor Glen Caravan Park is a long-established family owned and operated Holiday Park. The Park extends to approximately six acres and caters for families within static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

“The Park is exceptionally well run and achieved the 2025 runner up award for Best Family Campsite South Wales. The Park has a range of modern purpose-built facilities including a heated swimming pool, laundrette, dedicated play area, games room and full amenity facilities.”

Covering the 1988 approval of removing two previous conditions connected to the site, granting permission for up to 50 caravans and occupancy of March 1 to January 9, it says: “It does not stipulate that the caravans must be removed from the site during the ‘close period’ as would be the case if the consent related to touring caravans,” adding: “It is therefore clear that the intentions of that planning application and the consent granted relates to the siting of up to 50 caravans and not specifically touring caravans.

“If that consent were to be partially restricted to touring, a touring condition would have been imposed and / or a condition requiring that the caravans must be removed from the site during a close period – it doesn’t.”

It concludes: “Whilst the park has been operated on the basis of providing both Static Caravan and Touring Caravan Pitches, [the 1988] Planning Approval clearly gives permission for any type of caravan which complies with the Legal Definition of a Caravan.

“That permission does not restrict the type of unit to either static or touring caravans and does not restrict the layout of the holiday park it is therefore concluded that [the 1988 permission] allows for the siting of any unit which complies with the legal definition of a caravan, and does not restrict the layout or location of the units.

“The applicant therefore seeks confirmation from the LPA to that effect via this Certificate of Lawful (proposed) Use application.”

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

 

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Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused

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A CALL for an extra sign advertising a Pembrokeshire holiday park, adding to exiting unauthorised ones, which planners say would create “visual clutter and intrusion” and a distraction to drivers, has been refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, permission was sought, through Lakeside Signs Limited, for an additional sign advertising Haven’s Lydstep Beach Village, near Tenby, the sign proposed for North Lodge where the holiday park joins the main road.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways authority raised no concerns regarding the specific location of the sign, but said “there remains a broader concern regarding the cumulative impact of signage along this section of highway,” adding: “The increasing proliferation of signs in this location has the potential to create a visually cluttered environment, which may distract drivers and, in turn, give rise to road safety implications.”

A Park officer report recommending refusal said: “Currently, there are eight flagpoles, one A-frame banner type sign, one pole mounted panel sign, and a further panel sign, located behind the stone wall on the western side of the park’s entrance. None of these advertisements have the benefit of advertisement consent.”

It added: “The increasing number of signs in this location has the potential to create a distraction to drivers, which may result in road safety implications. In addition, the proliferation of signage would create clutter that would result in visual intrusion in this countryside location affecting amenity. As such, the recommendation is to refuse.”

It went on to say: “Whilst it is not deemed that the proposed advertisement would result in harm being caused to the specific special qualities of this area, there are concerns that the display of this advertisement would, along with the remainder of the advertisements, which are unauthorised, result in a proliferation of advertisements, which in turn would cause visual clutter and intrusion.

“This is especially problematic in a countryside location where development is strictly controlled. Should the existing signage be consolidated and rationalised, the Authority may support the proposed sign, however, currently, any additional signage would not be deemed appropriate.”

The application was refused on the grounds that it would, along with the exiting signage, “result in visual clutter and intrusion which would detract from the visual amenity of this countryside location, and would result in potential distraction to drivers, which in turn would rise to road safety implications”.

 

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The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot

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SAUNDERSFOOT’S Coal Building interpretation centre could soon host the third store for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd, in plans before the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd seeks a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

While no supporting statement has yet been published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application says the scheme would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

It says the proposed site is currently a mixed-use retail and gift shop, having previously been used as office space.

It adds: “This is a space within a building that is still trading, the space we are wanting a change of use was last used by Persimmon Homes as an office space.”

Of the scheme itself it says it will involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.

If approved, the Saundersfoot site would be the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

After that store opened following redevelopment of Newport’s Victorian market, Craig Taylor, of The Cheesecake Guy, said: “We are very excited to be part of the new development in Newport Market alongside some other amazing small businesses.

“We feel this is definitely the next step in the right direction after our Merthyr Tydfil store taking off so well.”

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

The Saundersfoot proposal will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

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