News

Dog grooming salon go-ahead at Kilgetty takeaway appeal site

Published

11 months ago

January 22, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE dog groomer has been given permission to open a salon at the site of a proposed Kilgetty takeaway which was granted on appeal last year after an earlier refusal.

Lauren Malloy, of Saundersfoot, sought permission from county planners for a change of use of the site at Llyniams, Carmarthen Road.

Miss Malloy, in her application said: “The property has previously been approved for other uses with a previous owner. It’s currently residential upstairs with recent planning for two commercial units downstairs. One unit has recently been approved planning to be a fast food (kebab) and the other unit a barber shop (in current use).

“I am a dog groomer and run my own business at 10 Meyrick Street Pembroke Dock (Lauren’s dog grooming). I am wanting to purchase the property, but my mortgage lenders will not release the mortgage until I have change of use on the unit.

“My plan is to live upstairs and run my business downstairs in the unit which has current use as a kebab and wish to rent the barber shop separate to my business.”

A report for planners, recommending approval, said: “Whilst there is an extant planning permission for the change of the residential use on the ground floor of the building to a hot food take away it appears that this has not been implemented.”

It added: “The proposed new use would have positive social impact through the provision of a new service in the settlement as well as providing job opportunities.

“The proposed dog grooming salon would provide a new opportunity for a business outlet within an area characterised by a mix of commercial and residential properties which would encourage a sustainable community and a thriving economy in compliance with [planning policies].”

The application was conditionally approved.

Last summer, the previous owners were granted permission for a takeaway on appeal after it was turned down the previous November.

That application was refused on several conditions, including the site being some 400m away from the nearest public car park, which it was felt would lead to customers’ vehicles parking on double yellow lines outside the premises.

It was also felt that “the hot food takeaway is likely to attract some customers who would behave in an inconsiderate manner and generate undue noise and disturbance late in the evening which would have a detrimental impact on the occupants of nearby residential properties at a time when they should reasonably expect some peace”.

Following refusal, the applicants appealed to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) – through agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries – against the decision.

A planning inspector accepted the appeal, concluding that proposal “would be unlikely to cause harm to the living conditions of local residents”.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

19 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.