News
Adventure tourism hub plans put ‘on hold’ by Government
CONTENTIOUS plans for a new adventure tourism hub in north Pembrokeshire are expected to be backed by the national park despite the Welsh government putting any final decision on hold.
Jet Moore, managing director of Adventure Beyond Ltd, is seeking permission for an outdoor adventure centre, with art studio and storage space above, and associated works at The Old Bus Depot, Moylegrove.
The application has been before multiple meetings of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, and is again recommended for approval at the September 4 meeting.
The plot was originally used as a bus depot by the founder of the Richards Bros bus company.
Concerns have been raised about the scheme, including local community council Nevern, and opponents fear that increased business for adventure firms will worsen the plight of birds and animals, some of which are on the UK’s amber conservation list.
In a supporting statement for the scheme, Jet Moore, managing director of coasteering, kayaking and field studies outdoor activities provider Adventure Beyond Ltd, says a site previously used for equipment and vehicles necessary for activities at Ceibwr Bay and surrounds may soon be unavailable, with “the Old Bus Depot site is the only suitable commercial site for us to transfer our operations to”.
The applicant said there has been “much positive feedback” to the scheme, but adds: “However, I am also aware that, sadly, a small but vocal group has taken against the development. I am not sure exactly what the objections are, all that has been communicated to me is that they are against ‘over-tourism’ at Ceibwr.”
He concluded: “This development has been part funded by a Shared Prosperity Fund Grant allocated by Pembrokeshire County Council. The grant must be spent by the end of 2024, or the funds are lost and will be retained by central government. Consequently, time is of the essence, and if planning permission is denied there is no time for an appeal and to construct the building before the end of 2024.
“Because of this the owner of the site, Consulting AM Ltd, has advised me that if planning permission is refused it will give the site to Pembrokeshire County Council, who paid for its acquisition through the grant.
“Assuming the council to be short of funds the site will then remain strewn with glass, metal and plastic and there will be no new replanting. The council may decide to fence it off to reduce its public liability risk, making the site an eyesore.”
The application was previously deferred at both the June and July meetings, the former for a site visit.
A report for planners says that, since the early July site visit, “a Holding Direction has been received from Welsh Government which does not allow for a positive decision to be issued prior to the Direction being lifted, but this does not prevent the application being considered by members”.
A Welsh Government ‘holding direction’ allows time to consider whether the application should be ‘called-in’ for Welsh Government determination or not, meaning the authority can consider the scheme but can’t grant permission until that status is decided.
It states: “This direction prevents your authority only from granting planning permission; it does not prevent the authority from continuing to process or consult on the application. Neither does it prevent the authority from refusing planning permission.”
The recommendation before the September meeting is for delegated approval, subject to the Holding Direction being lifted, along with an agreement on a draft Habitats Regulations Assessment, not yet formally agreed by Natural Resources Wales.
Crime
Swansea Crown Court to deal with Narberth rape case
A 46-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before a District Judge charged with raping a woman at an undisclosed location in Narberth.
Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest is accused of raping the woman on August 25, 2022. He is further charged with sexually assaulting a woman and of causing a female to engage in sexual activity without her consent. Both offences are alleged to have been committed on the same date, August 25.
Murray denied all three charges when he appeared before District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, September 17.
Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in the matter and the case will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court.
Murray was released on conditional bail, the condition being not to have any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim.
The matter will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on October 14.
Crime
Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog
A DOG that was seen running loose on a main road in Milford Haven was found to be an unregistered fighting XL Bully which, according to police experts, had the strength to cause someone ‘substantial injury’.
Officers were called to a property in Milford Haven on March 24 following numerous reports from members of the public that a dog was running loose on the road, causing what the Crown Prosecution described as ‘a hazard’ to drivers. There they found the dog enclosed in a front garden.
This week it’s owner, Megan Pouparrd, 20, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, pleaded guilty to possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.
“It was a typical XL Bully dog in relation to its appearance and size,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
The dog, which had wandered approximately one mile from its owner’s home, was caught and taken away by officers for further examinations to be carried out to confirm its breed.
A police statement read out to Judge Layton stated that the dog was ‘very restless and curious’.
“He made no attempt to jump on us and was more interested in finding out about his new surroundings,” said the report.
“He was a very relaxed dog, but was also extremely strong, and could easily have knocked someone off their feet.”
A destruction order for the dog was submitted to the court by the police, however following a request by District Judge Mark Layton, this was delayed pending a behaviourist report to be carried out on the animal.
Sentencing was adjourned to October 8.
(Image: File)
Crime
Letterston man in court over ‘silly neighbours’ dispute’
A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute reached the courts this week when Letterston resident Stuart Wing pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his neighbour’s car.
“It was a silly dispute,” the 59-year-old told a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
“We used to be good neighbours, but it was the stupidest of things. I’d put his bin bags back but then he fell out with me, giving me hand signals and calling me a scumbag.”
The incident took place on June 21, 2023 at Spring Gardens, Letterston.
“The victim [Clark Gretton], had left his property and entered his vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Mark Layton.
“[The victim] said, ‘I’ll be glad to get away from these scumbags’, but the defendant was near and must have heard him, because he picked some gravel up and threw it at the car, causing chip marks.”
Ms Jackson said that the cost of the criminal damage to Mr Gretton’s Nissan Qashqai totaled £660.
After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Stuart Wing was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation to Mr Gretton.
-
Health3 days ago
Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock
-
Health2 days ago
Ambulance error admitted in 999 call before Pembrokeshire mother’s death
-
Crime6 days ago
Man arrested following violent Incident in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime7 days ago
Dock police continue search following multiple assaults incident
-
Education6 days ago
Whitland School goes into lockdown following threats to pupils
-
Crime5 days ago
Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned
-
Community23 hours ago
Affordable homes plans for fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel site
-
Crime3 days ago
Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards faces sentencing over indecent images