News

Plans to convert listed hotel into flats have been given the go-ahead

Published

1 year ago

August 8, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to convert a listed hotel in Tenby’s conservation area to flats have been given the go-ahead by national park planners.

Applicants Rob and Jan Evans sought the conversion of the Myrtle House Hotel bed and breakfast in St Marys Street to five self-contained flats, while retaining the existing owners’ accommodation.

The application to convert the three-storey Grade II listed building was supported by Tenby Town Council.

Agent David J P Morgan Architect, in a submitted statement, said the changes to the 19th century former house, believed to have been built by built by Wm Davies of Tenby in the 1870s, would involve no external changes.

The statement said: “The design concept recognises the integrity of the existing building and aims to create the desired residential units without any major disturbance of the original structure and layout.”

It adds: “The important interior features such as staircase, ceiling coving, ceiling roses and fire surrounds which exist will be protected and will remain as part of the new spaces where possible or otherwise will be integrated within new ceiling structures so that they remain intact and undamaged.”

A report for planners stated that local development plan policy “protects against the loss of hotels and guest houses unless it is proven that their continued use would not be viable or that peak demand can continue to be met in the locality”.

It added: “The application property offers a small number of rooms, and the loss of these rooms will not impact on the ability of Tenby to cater for current levels of demand.

“The application site is also situated within a street which is largely residential, with many of the properties used for holiday letting purposes.

“The principle of converting the existing bed and breakfast to flats is therefore considered acceptable in this instance.”

The report also said there was a 50 per cent requirement for affordable housing on developments of two units or more in Tenby, which would equate to two units, or an affordable housing contribution.

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.

Crime

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

Published

22 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!