News

Pentlepoir house plan avoids unexpected extra affordable housing bill

Published

1 year ago

August 3, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a new house in south Pembrokeshire almost incurred more than £1,600 extra in affordable housing costs due to being in a different settlement area to what was initially said.

Applicant Mr Briers sought to build a new four-bedroom home near Laubobange, Hill Lane, Kilgetty, which was recommended for conditional approval at the July 25 meeting of the county council’s planning committee.

A report for members said: “The application site is an area of land which is partly within the settlement for Kilgetty which is accessed from the north via the A478. The application site consists of an existing access driveway running north to south from the A478, which opens out into a rectangular area of land.

“The majority of this area of land, lies outside of the settlement boundary and therefore within the countryside. The main part of the site is fairly level, with a dwelling to the north known as Laubobange (under the ownership of the applicant), with further dwellings (within the settlement) to the southwest and west of the site.”

The report said there was a local needs affordable housing contribution policy in Kilgetty for 20 per cent of dwellings to be affordable on any housing development site.

“As this is a windfall site of one dwelling, a financial contribution of £10,175.00 is required,” the report added.

At the meeting members were told it was incorrect to define the property as being in the Kilgetty settlement area, but was instead in the nearby Pentlepoir area, which would incur a contribution of £12,718.75 instead.

Local county councillor, and committee chairman, Cllr Jacob Williams said he was happy to back the recommendation for approval, but felt the applicant should pay the lower contribution previously agreed.

A counter-proposal to charge the higher rate, made by Cllr Ryan Jordan, failed to gain a seconder.

Members agreed to approve the plans, with the lower contribution rate.

Crime

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

Published

17 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.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!