Latest news with #PembrokeshireCouncil
Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
New fuel plant to be built at Pembrokeshire dockyard
New fuel plant to be built at Pembrokeshire dockyard 'The site was considered suitable for the proposed development, as it would align with the ambition for Pembroke Dock Marine to transition to a world-class centre for marine energy and engineering' The entrance to Pembroke Dockyard (Image: Google ) A green hydrogen fuel production facility has been approved for development at a dockyard in the Pembrokeshire area. The application was submitted to Pembrokeshire Council by green energy experts Haush Ltd, who sought permission to build the 15MW facility, which includes electrolysers, compressors, a substation, and associated infrastructure, at Gate 4 of Pembroke Dockyard. Green hydrogen is created from water through an electrolysis process powered by renewable electricity, in this case, supplied by an 11kV substation connected to the national grid. In a statement provided by Locogen Consulting Ltd, an Edinburgh-based Renewable Energy Consultancy, it was stated: "Haush's vision is to address one of the biggest challenges of our time - decarbonising the transportation and construction industries. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . "Their innovative solution lies in working in partnership with communities to produce Green Hydrogen, a clean and renewable energy vector that can significantly reduce carbon emissions." The statement further added: "The applicant has sought to identify opportunities to produce and supply Green Hydrogen across the UK to areas where it is most needed. "The site was considered suitable for the proposed development, as it would align with the ambition for Pembroke Dock Marine to transition to a world-class centre for marine energy and engineering, focussed on the low carbon energy sector. Article continues below "The applicant's ambition to deliver the proposed development, which would produce clean energy from Hydrogen, aligns with the aspiration and vision for Pembroke Dock Marine." The proposal outlines that there would be up to six HGV movements to and from the site per day when operational, with "each taking approximately five hours to fill to capacity, resulting in a low turnaround of vehicles to and from the site". Regarding safety concerns, it was stated: "The site would utilise rigorous safety measures, alongside the applicant adopting a production strategy that further reduces the risk profile. Article continues below "Most notably, there will be no fixed onsite storage of Hydrogen. Instead, Hydrogen will be produced and compressed on-demand and will be transported immediately offsite using operated tube-trailers owned by the applicant." Planners have given conditional approval to the application.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Plans for dog day care centre turned down over impact on badgers
Plans for dog day care centre turned down over impact on badgers The application was refused by county planners for several key reasons, including 'no robust justification for the essential need for the proposed development in this countryside location' Plans for a dog day care centre off the A477 in Pembrokeshire (Image: Google ) Pembrokeshire planners have turned down a proposal for a dog day care centre on the grounds of a former garden centre, citing concerns over the potential impact on local badgers. Ryan Ennis had put forward plans to Pembrokeshire Council for the establishment of the centre and related works on land that is currently home to polytunnels next to Tenby Tourers, just off the A477 at Llanteg. A supporting document from Gerald Blain Associates Limited highlighted that the polytunnels were remnants of a previous garden centre that used to span the site; one remaining polytunnel is presently utilised for casual storage. The document detailed: "Operationally, the centre will accommodate a maximum of 10 dogs, operating from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Drop-off times will typically be between 8.30 and 9am, with pick-up between 5 and 5.30pm." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Plans for the site included eight parking and drop-off spaces, with three bays specifically designed to give extra space for dogs to get in and out of vehicles, as well as a play area made from pet-friendly artificial grass surrounded by a timber fence. Furthermore, it stated: "The proposed building would replace two large poly tunnels that are individually of comparable length to the proposed building. "The building would be erected in place of the southernmost tunnel and the play area constructed on the site of the second tunnel. Article continues below "The existing poly tunnels are not visually pleasing and detract from the character of the site. To minimise the visual impact of the development, extensive landscaping is proposed around the development site and at the boundary with the A477." The statement continued: "The proposal would create employment for two staff members, including the applicant's daughter, and generate positive economic impacts through the purchase of materials and the employment of labour during construction. "Once operational, the business would continue to contribute to the local economy through ongoing employment." Amroth Community Council has raised objections to the proposed scheme citing concerns such as potential noise disturbances from dogs agitated by passers-by on a nearby public path, and issues surrounding biodiversity conservation. The council's objection noted: "We have been made aware of a registered badger sett located within or very close to the minimum requisite 50m from the development. "Badgers are a protected species and the sett distance from dog kennels, dog play areas etc is based on legislation laid out in the Protection of Badgers Act, 1992 by the UK Government. Councillors noticed that the application does not reference the sett." Article continues below The application was refused by county planners for several key reasons, including "no robust justification for the essential need for the proposed development in this countryside location". There were also concerns that "the application fails to demonstrate that the proposal would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety," and a worry that it "fails to provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed development would not have a significant detrimental impact on biodiversity, in particular to badger setts".
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Housing plan in tiny Welsh village finally gets go-ahead after 5 years
Housing plan in tiny Welsh village finally gets go-ahead after 5 years Five letters of objection raised concerns including drainage, traffic generation, housing need, flooding and it being a linear development Hayscastle Cross in Pembrokeshire (Image: Google ) A housing scheme in a Pembrokeshire village, first proposed five years ago, has finally been given the green light. An application was submitted for the construction of one dwelling, with additional outline permission for two more on land east of Ty Gwyn in Hayscastle Cross, near Haverfordwest. The proposal was recommended for approval at the June meeting of Pembrokeshire Council's planning committee, despite being contrary to the authority's development plan, due to a small part of it being outside the settlement boundary. The scheme includes a contribution to affordable housing, set at 10 per cent of the development value for Hayscastle Cross, amounting to £15,262.50. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Contributions towards affordable housing in the county can range from as low as 5% in Fishguard and Pembroke Dock to as high as 25% in towns like Narberth. However, the proposal did not go unchallenged, with five letters of objection. Article continues below These raised concerns about drainage, traffic generation, housing need, flooding and the linear nature of the development. Despite these objections, an officer report concluded: "The proposal would result in residential development over a small area of the countryside location in conflict with the requirements [of policies]. "However, the minimal area of land involved and the ability it provides to facilitate development of the site are material considerations which outweigh the identified policy conflicts." At the meeting, Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd expressed his surprise at the lengthy process since the application's submission five years ago, citing "a lot of hurdles" including the Covid-19 pandemic, phosphate concerns, and proximity to a nearby SSSI. He argued that the development, with its £15,000 contribution to affordable housing, would "enhance this little bit of Haycastle Cross". Councillor Brian Hall moved the application, while new committee chair Cllr Mark Carter, representing a nearby ward, remarked: "This to me, is just a natural progression of the village which has expanded over the years; it's just joining the rest of the row." Article continues below The proposal received unanimous backing from the committee members. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
Wales Online
03-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Green light for £13.5m scheme to provide 25 affordable homes in Welsh town
Green light for £13.5m scheme to provide 25 affordable homes in Welsh town Pembrokeshire Council's cabinet has backed the awarding of a fixed contract to construct 25 flats, one bedsit, a 12-bed reablement facility, and communal areas An artist's impression of Haverfordia House in Haverfordwest (Image: Burroughs ) Senior Pembrokeshire councillors have thrown their support behind a £13.5m initiative to provide 25 affordable homes specifically designed for people aged over 55 in a Pembrokeshire town. During a cabinet meeting of Pembrokeshire Council on Monday, June 2, members were presented with a proposal to award a fixed contract worth more than £13.5m to C Wynne & Son for the construction of 25 flats, one bedsit, a 12-bed reablement facility, communal areas, and all associated works. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . The cabinet's green light was conditional upon the Housing with Care Fund grant application being approved by the panel for the full build costs of the reablement element of the project, which amounts to approximately £5.5m. Should the grant funding not be secured, the cabinet's approval would be withdrawn, and alternative funding options would be brought back to a future cabinet meeting for further deliberation. A report to the members highlighted the benefits of the development, stating: "As well as providing long-term residents with a sense of place and community, it will provide short-term reablement users with the facilities and in-house support which they need to relearn the skills required to keep them safe and independent when they return home." The report also noted the current demand for one-bedroom properties and referenced a review of sheltered accommodation for those over 55 conducted in 2018-19, which concluded that the existing stock of sheltered housing is "no longer fit for purpose". Article continues below "At this point the local authority embarked on a programme of renewing this stock, replacing with modern, accessible and compliant homes that promote independent living and preventing unnecessary moves to residential care. This proactive support reduces crisis situations and lowers the likelihood of emergency interventions, helping to manage demand for higher cost services. "It is anticipated that Haverfordia House will provide one such development in the LA programme, such sheltered schemes are needed as a housing option for over 55s in the county. Currently the authority has 629 sheltered housing properties, the average age of PCC Sheltered tenants is 71 years. "91 per cent of these tenants receive regular contact and needs-led support from the Sheltered Housing Assistants, and 30 per cent of these residents have more complex needs such as significant mental health issues, physical disabilities, severe hoarding. "The wider benefits of the support provided by Sheltered Housing Assistants based at Haverfordia House will play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of the residents, they will provide day to day support that significantly improves residents' quality of life. "This includes regular welfare checks, co-ordination of support services, and timely intervention in case of emerging health or mobility issues, all of which contribute to helping residents remain independent for longer. "The one scheme will deliver facilities for both Housing and Social Care, within the surroundings of a public car park, green open space fields and easily accessible to local services to the town centre of Haverfordwest." In 2019, cabinet backed the acquisition of the freehold of Haverfordia House, with the overall intention to deliver a new housing and wellbeing facility following its demolition. Councillor Michelle Bateman, cabinet member for housing at Pembrokeshire Council, acknowledged the public's concerns about the expense but defended it on the grounds of necessary additional features like lifts and security, saying: "We need to ensure we're building what is needed not just what is cheapest." The contract received unanimous support from members. Article continues below
Wales Online
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Plans for semi-professional club in Wales to have VAR system installed
Plans for semi-professional club in Wales to have VAR system installed The Football Association of Wales has submitted a planning application to Pembrokeshire Council for the installation of a VAR video operations room at Haverfordwest County FC's home ground A match official checks a VAR screen (Image: Getty Images ) A proposal to install VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology at a Pembrokeshire football stadium used by a semi-professional team has been lodged with planners. The Football Association of Wales has submitted a planning application to Pembrokeshire Council for the installation of a VAR video operations room and related works at Bridge Meadow Stadium, the home of Haverfordwest County FC. An accompanying statement from agent Wardell Armstrong outlines: "The Football Association Wales has recognised opportunities to strengthen, improve and build the standard of football and the image associated with Wales's top football league." It further details the Cymru Premier Strategy 2024-2030, which includes plans to enhance the quality of club facilities, branding, and recognition in the Cymru Premier League, as well as bolstering the on-field product over the next six years. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . The statement adds: "The implementation of VAR as part of this plan will allow referees to perform at the highest possible level, providing quality decision-making to benefit players, fans and television audiences." The system, known as VAR, "comprises of a Video Assistant Referee who is a qualified official that watches video footage of the game with access to multiple screens, angles and replays with the purpose of assisting the on-field officials to come to the correct decision," it explains. Bridge Meadow in Haverfordwest (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) It adds: "VAR is used globally, currently assisting referees in associated football leagues of over 70 countries to minimise the risk of human error and to enable the referee to make the correct decision using video technology. "From the 2025/2026 season, VAR Light will be implemented in all Cymru Premier matches. VAR Light operates on the same principles as VAR – with a Video Assistant Referee but without a replay operator." It further elaborates: "Footage from VAR camera installations will be transmitted to a self-contained Video Operations Room, where the VAR will be located. The match referee will conduct any suggested on-field reviews in a designated Referee Review Area adjacent to the pitch, where a monitor will be installed on match days. "After reviewing the infrastructure at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, it has been determined that the existing buildings cannot accommodate the Video Operations Room, necessitating the provision of new additional accommodation." The application will be reviewed by county planners at a future date. Article continues below
