News

Crymych petrol station redevelopment recommended for refusal

Published

12 months ago

January 4, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to demolish Crymych’s petrol station, replacing it with a new larger station and store are expected to be turned down next week.

At the January 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee members will consider an application by Mr James, of Siop Y Frenni, Crymych, to redevelop the existing petrol filling station and shop.

The number of fuel pumps will remain the same, with four electric vehicle charging points included, and it is anticipated that the convenience unit – if approved – would be occupied by NISA, owned by the Co-operative Group Limited.

Agent Thomas Login Architecture, in a supporting statement, says: “The redevelopment of the site is proposed as the existing building and layout no longer meet the modern needs of the store, or its customers.

“The store has operated on this site since before the applicant purchased it, in November 2008, and has benefited from no meaningful investment since that time. The existing store only contains c.234.5m2 of internal floorspace. This floorspace needs to accommodate the commercial trading area, staff facilities (including a staff room, an office and toilets), stock room and counter space.

“The existing floor area does not meet the operational needs of the retailer. It is insufficient to support the required range of goods customers, isles are cluttered and, generally, the shopping experience is currently poor. Furthermore, the existing building is of very poor construction which significantly affects the viability of progressing any meaningful extension to the existing building.

“The cost of making the existing building structurally sound to accommodate a large extension and the necessary improvement works would in all likelihood be prohibitive to development.”

A Retail Assessment is submitted along with the application, adding: “There are no further petrol fuelling stations within the Crymych and the only other convenience store in the settlement is the Spar, which is located directly adjacent.

“Therefore, there will be no impact on the existing centre as the proposed scheme is not competing with any in centre store.”

The application is recommended for refusal by planners for reasons including “the proposed development is inadequately justified and in the absence of evidence to the contrary will prove harmful to the vitality and viability of Crymych and nearby settlements,” and impact on neighbouring dwellings.

A report for planners says a council-commissioned Regional Retail Study, in conjunction with the national park and neighbouring Ceredigion County Council, says there is no capacity to support new convenience floorspace across Pembrokeshire.

It adds: “Furthermore, the Retail Statement has not adequately assessed the impact of the proposed development on existing convenience retail provision in Crymych, nor the potential impact on convenience shopping in nearby settlements, a number of which support local shops (Blaenffos, Boncath, Eglwyswrw and Postgwyn).”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

24 hours 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.