Business

Pembrokeshire County Council ‘s new Eco Park in Milford Haven completed

Published

1 year ago

August 29, 2024

ANDREW SCOTT LIMITED says it has successfully handed over a new Eco Park Waste and Recycling Facility in Milford Haven for their Client, Pembrokeshire County Council.

The new Eco Park Waste Recycling facility will support Pembrokeshire County Council’s waste and recycling programme, in line with the Welsh Government Strategy “Towards Zero Waste”. The facility will enable materials collected across Pembrokeshire to be bulked and sorted prior to onward transfer to processing and disposal facilities across Wales and the UK.

Andrew Scott Ltd were awarded the Contract for Phases 1-3 as detailed below:

Phase 1 – Recycling Transfer Facility and Covered Waste Bay; overall internal floor area 5,855m2; external service yard area 4,340m2; together with associated access roads and infrastructure. This phase also contains an office and visitor centre, offering the opportunity for groups to come and learn about waste and recycling.
Phase 2 – Vehicle Maintenance Bay and Staff Welfare Building; internal floor area 400m2. This phase also includes staff car parking for 138 vehicles and 56 lorry parking bays.
Phase 3 – Residual Waste Recycling facility and Covered Waste Bay; overall internal floor area 2,700m2; external service yard area 3,970m2; together with associated access roads and infrastructure.

As part of this project, Andrew Scott Ltd and Pembrokeshire County Council are committed to maximising recycling and re-use of excavated materials from the existing site to promote and increase a circular economy and reduce the carbon footprint of the project and minimise the amount of construction traffic.

During the main construction phase of this project, Andrew Scott implemented the following initiatives to contribute to Sustainable Development:

100% retention of excavated topsoil on site for re-use on soft landscaping. Zero offsite to landfill.
Excavated subsoil re-used onsite within landscaping bunds and bioretention areas.
Surplus inert subsoil taken off-site to licensed waste disposal facility, for use as capping layer, with recycled imported hardcore fill materials carried on return loads, using same transport.
Use of local suppliers for ready mixed concrete, tarmacadam, sub-base, pipe bedding and filter material.
Use of local supply chain for tree surgery, reinforcement, formwork and concrete placing, security fencing, brickwork and blockwork, drainage surveys and steel fabrication, accounting for over 70% of supply chain spend.
Directly employed local labour to supplement our direct construction team.
Surface water drainage – fully compliant (SUDS) surface water drainage systems comprising major underground storm attenuation/storage systems, rainwater harvesting, bioretention swales and raingardens, flow management/hydro-brake surface water discharge control, pollution control and onsite foul wastewater treatment system.
PV solar array to main warehouse roof to produce a self-sufficient sustainable energy source to operate the full recycling facility.
Environmentally sensitive acoustic fencing and tree planting to northern boundary, to minimise noise and visual impact for adjacent domestic property owners.
SmartWaste and energy usage: recording, monitoring and control system in place for all construction activities, to minimise waste and optimise energy.
Ecology – all early construction activities carried out under strict control of site ecologist’s instructions to minimise risk of disturbance to existing badger sett discovered within the confines of the site as well as the installation of bird and bat boxes and formation of bat corridors.

Throughout the project, a total of 120,000 tonnes of waste was produced, 99% of which was diverted from landfill. A total of 114,000 tonnes of soil and stone biproduct was produced and 100% of this was re-used. Prior to and during the project, Site Waste Management Plans were established to prioritise the principles of the Waste Hierarchy, in order to minimise waste and achieve the targets set. Andrew Scott are extremely proud of the outstanding waste diverted from landfill rates achieved on this project and are highly committed to continue this progress to enhancing Environmental Sustainability on all projects.

As a sustainable business, Andrew Scott Limited’s business model is aligned to the wider global goals of achieving net zero carbon by 2050. We are committed to accelerating this time frame to achieving net zero carbon by 2030, committing to reaching zero carbon emissions across all operations, direct and in-direct. As a socially conscious contractor, our strong community benefits offering is closely tied to the Well-being of Future Generations Act, ensuring cohesive communities and a more prosperous and resilient Wales.

Throughout the project, Andrew Scott supported training opportunities for graduates and apprentices in West Wales, as well as long term sustainable employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals from the Pembrokeshire area.

Mark Bowen, Managing Director of Andrew Scott Ltd, said “we are delighted to have handed over the new Eco Park Waste and Recycling Facility to our Client, Pembrokeshire County Council. As a Welsh contractor, we are committed to help the Welsh Government reach net-zero by 2050 and also accelerate our net zero target of 2030. We are totally committed to decarbonisation of the built environment, with a focus on reducing our emissions throughout the business and ensured that all stakeholders on this project met the goals of a globally responsible Wales.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, welcomed this county-wide resource for handling the Authority’s recyclate and residual waste streams. He said: “We are delighted to receive handover of this important facility from Andrew Scott Ltd. This will modernise Pembrokeshire’s recycling facilities as we work to increase recycling rates in line with the Welsh Government Strategies ‘Towards Zero Waste’ and ‘Beyond Recycling’. This facility will provide us with greater control over the waste streams we collect. We are also grateful for grant funding from Welsh Government towards the development of the Eco Park to help make this possible.”

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

9 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

13 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

21 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.