News

Pembroke South Quay second phase approved by just one vote

Published

1 year ago

November 11, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a community hub and associated works, part of the second phase of Pembroke’s South Quay Regeneration Scheme, were given the go-ahead by just one casting vote, despite “unanimous” local objection.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, at their November 7 meeting, were recommended to approve an application by the local authority for the erection of a community hub with associated infrastructure works.

Led by Pembrokeshire County Council, the South Quay project, below Pembroke Castle, includes the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed 7 Northgate Street; demolition of the existing public toilets; construction of a four-storey ‘L-shape’ extension building, a three-storey frontage to South Quay and the extension of a public space and reconfiguration within the car park.

The community hub would provide a service for older people, learning and skills areas to support independent living, and continued education for people with disability, and supported employment opportunities.

Pembroke Town Council, Pembroke Castle Trust, Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society, and local resident Richard Naylor all objected to the proposal, saying it would be an overdevelopment of the conservation area which would not preserve its character, and would tower over neighbouring buildings such as the nearby Royal George hotel.

At the November meeting, Pembroke town councillor Linda Asman said it “strongly objected” to the application at the “sensitive heritage sire”, describing it as an “unsympathetic development,” near the Grade I-listed castle, with the social hub better sited elsewhere.

Cllr Asman said town council hopes the development would be used to boost tourism were being “completely ignored,” with what was presented a “fait accompli”.

Peter Thomas, chair of Pembroke Civic Trust, also objected to the scheme, describing it as “a very modern development not in keeping with its surroundings,” which would dwarf the neighbouring historic Royal George Hotel, and would be “clearly visible from the castle ramparts”.

He said a better location for a social services hub would be the nearby Riverside site, adding: “It is surely part of your remit to protect our heritage”.

Councillor Jonathan Grimes, one of two local members representing the ward, said there was “unanimous objection” locally to the plans, which would have “a lasting and profound impact on the town”.

Councillor Brian Hall, of neighbouring Pembroke Dock, reluctantly moved approval of the application but expressed concern at what he saw as a lack of local consultation.

After mentioning a previous scheme proposed for the area some 35 years beforehand which didn’t reach fruition, he said: “If we do refuse this today it’s going to be something that drags on; at the moment it’s a mess, but there could’ve been a far better proposal.”

Councillor Mark Carter said he would vote against the application, citing the concerns of local objectors, a view shared by Councillor John Cole, who said the scheme should “go back to the drawing board,” rather than an outright refusal.

Members were told by officers the scheme, as a major application, had been consulted.

After a lengthy debate, six councillors voted in favour of the scheme, and six against, committee chair Cllr Jacob Williams voting again, in favour of conditional approval of the application.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.