News

Pembrokeshire ‘party house’ became ‘mini-Butlins on a residential estate’

Published

1 year ago

October 27, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE coast ‘party’ house had “bit-by-bit” moved from a property to “a commercial mini-Butlins on a residential estate,” national park planners heard.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, at their October meeting, were recommended to approve retrospective plans, submitted by BDS Contracts Ltd, to divide 7 Holbrook Close, Broad Haven, in to two properties, after work started in 2021.

The application was submitted following enforcement reports and investigations into what has been described as a “party house,” which had the potential to have as many as 17 people staying at any one time.

A report for planners said the property had moved from conventional designations of C3 (dwelling house), C5 (second home) and C6 (short-term commercial let) to a ‘sui generis’ class of its own.

“Officers of the authority consider that based on the way in which the property has been operating since 2020 as evidenced by adverts on Airbnb and complaints from neighbouring properties, there has been an unauthorised material change of use from C3/C5/C6 use to a Sui Generis party house use.”

Speaking at the meeting, local resident Shirley Norman said the property had “bit-by-bit” become a “party house,” after an initial 2016 application for a swimming pool and garage extension, later sleeping 12 and then 16, and then a “party house for 17 unsupervised people”.

She said Airbnb guest can invite any number of others to use the facilities, with the “large pool, sound system, synchronised flashing lights and hot tub,” amongst the many facilities which included an outdoor cinema.

She described 7 Holbrook Close as “a commercial mini-Butlins on a residential estate, rain or shine, night and day,” with “no other letting property of this size and enormous scale anywhere in The Havens”.

“It is not the place for a large tourist business catering for far too many people in holiday mode. If this business is allowed to continue, I fear it will only be the beginning of a new trend on our estate.”

Councillor Reg Owens expressed his sympathy for the residents, moving the recommendation be approved, in the hope of alleviating the issues.

He was overwhelmingly supported by fellow committee members, Cllr Tony Wilcox saying: “Now at least we have got some semblance of control over this,” adding that residents should continue to report any further incidents to relevant authorities.

Members backed the subdivision, on the condition that one of the properties and the pool could only be used for residential purposes, and the two properties were not allowed to be used as a single facility again.

Crime

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

Published

18 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!