A CALL to convert barns at a redundant north Pembrokeshire farm close to an Iron Age defended farmstead to holiday lets has been approved by county planners.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council planners, Ariana Grammaticas and Alewyn Muntingh sought permission for the conversion of two farm buildings at Pencraig Fawr, Llangolman, to three holiday lets.

A supporting statement through agent GMW Design said: “The existing farm is now redundant, the need for livestock and farming is no longer a requirement, my clients wish to utilise the existing farm buildings in a more efficient and long-term use to provide holiday accommodation.

“The buildings’ use for farming is redundant and it is considered that the building is of a style and scale that would lend itself to Holiday accommodation with little alteration to its current form. They have the benefit of having their own curtilage, with a little improvement to the site surrounding they lend themselves comfortably for conversion.

“The vision for the conversion proposals is a development that fits comfortably within the existing area without the need for reconstruction or external alteration to facilitate the conversions. The buildings are located off a former farmyard area and close to the existing farmhouse of Pencraig Fawr.”

Pencraig Fawr is some 250 metres from Pencraig-Fawr Camp, a scheduled ancient monument defended farmstead, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC – AD 43), an officer report says.

It adds: “Cadw have raised no objection to the proposal with respect to any potential impact upon the heritage asset nor how it is experienced, advising that intervening topography, buildings and vegetation block all views between the monument and the buildings for which conversion is proposed. The access track is within the identified significant view and passes close to the asset.

“However, no changes are planned to this route and the proposal is unlikely to generate a significant amount of traffic. As such, the proposed development will not have any significant adverse impact upon on the way that the monument is experienced, understood, and appreciated and consequently will have no impact on the setting of scheduled monument.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

A PEMBROKE DOCK opticians has collected food, toiletries and seasonal supplies to help individuals and families in Pembrokeshire experiencing financial hardship.

The collection, organised by trainee dispensing optician Courtney Hearn, was donated to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship), a local charity dedicated to providing essential items, including food parcels, clothing and household necessities to those in need.

PATCH also holds an annual Christmas Toy Appeal, which ensures children in need receive gifts, art materials, chocolates and wrapping supplies, bringing joy to families facing challenging circumstances during the festive season.

The Specsavers team contributed food and toiletries, while retail director Ellie Thomas-Wigley and optometrist Andrew Williams purchased wrapping paper and Sellotape, following guidance from PATCH, to support the appeal.

Ellie Thomas-Wigley says: ‘We’re incredibly proud of our team’s generosity and their commitment to helping the community. PATCH plays a vital role in supporting local families facing difficult times, particularly during the festive season, and we’re pleased to contribute to their important work.

‘Thank you to our customers and team for coming together to support those in need at such a critical time of year.’

Since 2008, PATCH has been providing support to Pembrokeshire residents by working with referral agencies such as health workers and social services. The charity’s Basics Bank offers immediate help to those experiencing crises, including job losses, benefit delays, or emergency situations like fire or homelessness.

To learn more about PATCH or to donate, visit their charity shop on Charles Street.
Specsavers Pembroke Dock is open seven days a week. To find out more and book an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/pembrokedock.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

A DREAM is set to become reality for Hatice Eltan as she prepares to open Turkish Kitchen Café on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, on February 1, 2025, at 10:00am.

The café promises to bring the vibrant and authentic tastes of Turkish cuisine to Pembrokeshire, offering carefully crafted dishes, aromatic coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. Open daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm, the café aims to become a hub for both locals and visitors.

Hatice, who moved to Pembrokeshire five years ago with her daughter Eliza and son Deniz, described her excitement: “I’ve always had a passion for cooking and catering, and opening my own café has been a long-standing dream. Pembrokeshire deserves a place where people can experience traditional Turkish food. Many locals love visiting Turkey on holiday, and I want to bring a piece of that experience here.”

The launch event will feature a special food-tasting experience, giving visitors a chance to savour traditional Turkish delicacies such as savoury gözleme, sweet baklava, and refreshing Ayran — a classic yoghurt-based drink. Complimentary samples of Turkish coffee and tea will also be available.

In addition to the tasting, the café will run a raffle where one lucky winner will enjoy a free meal for two, and the first 50 guests will receive a special gift voucher.

Hatice will be joined by her brother-in-law Mustafa Eltan in running the café. Together, they plan to create a warm and inviting space that celebrates Turkish culture and cuisine.

Looking ahead, Hatice has ambitious plans for the café:

“If all goes well, I hope to expand Turkish Kitchen into a full restaurant with extended hours. I already have the necessary licensing to remain open until 3:00am, and I’m excited about the possibilities for the future.”

Hatice, originally from London with Turkish heritage, spoke about her love for Pembrokeshire: “We first visited Pembrokeshire on a weekend trip and instantly fell in love with the community, the beaches, and the slower pace of life. Moving here was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my family.”

Turkish Kitchen Café aims to offer more than just food; it promises an experience — a journey through flavours, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality.

For more information, visit turkishkitchencafe.co.uk.