'Eyesore' Milford Haven site to become 24 affordable homes
The former Motor World site, previously described as an 'eyesore,' was cleared in 2018 to enable redevelopment, with planning permission granted on the site for the development of 15 affordable apartments for over-55s in 2020 but the previous contractor was put into administration under what was described as, 'significant financial stress'.
The 2024 application, submitted through agent DPP Planning, followed a public consultation last year.
A report presented, and moved at the April 28 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council's Cabinet, by Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Michelle Bateman sought approval for a fixed price contract with WB Griffiths & Son Ltd for £6,713,084.29 for the works.
The report for members said: 'Having reviewed the final design and contract sum bid, the portfolio budget holders and lead project officers are satisfied and wish to commence the construction stage.
'Delegated authority to Director of Social Care & Housing for the award was previously obtained, however due to the change of procurement route, in design and increase in construction costs and the time elapsed since the prior approval, it has been deemed that for transparency and general awareness, a decision is brought back to Cabinet to award.'
The project is supported by Welsh Government's Social Housing Grant, which provides up to 70 per cent funding.
The move of approval was backed by local councillor Cllr Guy Woodham, who said: 'It's taken an awful long time to resolve what was happening at that site, to have affordable housing there seems to me to be an ideal opportunity.'
Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said he was pleased there was 'a light at the end of the tunnel' after long delays, adding: 'Let's get on with it.'
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, another Milford councillor, said of the delays and the 'eyesore' nature of what was left: 'It's a good result but it's taken a heck of a lot of time; it's upset a lot of people in Milford Haven,' adding: 'The whole setting of Charles Street has been a bit of an eyesore with it.'
Members unanimously backed the recommendation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
'Honeycomb' footbridge has been installed in Haverfordwest
The striking structure now spans Haverfordwest's Western Quay and Riverside, forming part of Pembrokeshire County Council's £25.4 million Heart of Pembrokeshire scheme to revitalise the town centre. The bridge, known for its 'honeycomb' design, was delivered in sections from a Cardiff workshop and assembled on site using a 220-tonne crane during a four-day operation beginning in May. Pembrokeshire County Council said at the time: "The bridge will be assembled and final finishing applied for installation in mid-August." Installation took place over the weekend of August 16 and 17, with footpath closures, diversions, and an exclusion zone in place to ensure public safety. The project has attracted criticism over its design and cost, with some councillors repeatedly raising concerns in council chambers. In April, both the council's Welsh Conservative group and the Independent Group called for further scrutiny of the decision to award the bridge contract. Councillor Di Clements, Conservative group leader, said: "Given its sizeable cost estimation and the high public interest in the matter, the Welsh Conservative group believe that this decision deserves full and proper scrutiny at committee level." The new bridge replaces the red and black arched footbridge that previously connected the Riverside to Western Quay, which has now been closed. Earlier this month, diversions were put in place to facilitate the final phase of installation. The bridge has been described as a 'signature' addition to the town and an 'Instagrammable' landmark, though it has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its value for money and overall necessity.
Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business News Wales
Construction Begins on Cardiff Affordable Housing Development
Construction has started on a new development which will bring 103 affordable homes to Sanatorium Road in Canton, Cardiff. Delivered in partnership between United Welsh, Cardiff Council and Welsh Government, the development will include a mix of 71 apartments and 32 houses to the area. Of the apartments, 50 will be designed specifically for people aged 55 and over, supporting independent living. The homes will be available for social rent and allocated to people from the Cardiff Council Common Housing Waiting List. The project will generate over £2.5 million in community benefits, including new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities and investment in local initiatives. The timber frame structures for the homes will be manufactured by Celtic Offsite, a social enterprise within the United Welsh Group, at their factory in Caerphilly. These structures will arrive on site complete with insulation and windows, with final construction carried out by developer Vistry. The homes will be built to the highest energy efficiency standards, including rooftop solar panels and air source heat pumps to help reduce energy costs for future residents. Victoria Bolton, Director of Development and Regeneration at United Welsh, said: 'We're pleased to be working in partnership with Cardiff Council and Welsh Government to bring these high-quality, affordable homes to Canton. This development will provide much-needed housing and reflects our commitment to building communities where people can thrive. 'The benefits created through new jobs, training opportunities, and investment in the local community are just as important as the homes themselves, and we're excited to see the positive impact this project will bring to the area.' Cllr Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Cardiff Council, said: 'It's fantastic to see 103 new affordable homes on the way in Canton – this is a real boost for the area. With a mix of apartments and houses, including homes designed for older residents, this development will help meet the growing demand for sustainable, quality housing in the city and support people to live well in their communities.' The development is funded by Welsh Government's Social Housing Grant and the Cardiff Capital Region's Viability Gap Fund, a £35 million grant programme to bring forward stalled sites for development across the Cardiff Capital Region. Work is expected to be complete in late 2027.
Western Telegraph
7 days ago
- Western Telegraph
Diversions as Haverfordwest's Instagrammable bridge goes in
The bridge is part of the £25.4 million Heart of Pembrokeshire project to revitalise Haverfordwest and will span the water between the Riverside and Western Quay. Sections of the striking footbridge were delivered from the fabricator's workshop to County Hall in May this year when sections were assembled in situ, with a 220-ton crane also on site. (Image: Atkins Ltd) The bridge with its distinctive honeycomb design has been described as 'signature' and, subsequently, 'Instagrammable'. The bridge has come under considerable scrutiny by councillors with concerns about the bridge and potential costs being raised more than once in chamber. (Image: Peter Thomas) In April the council's Welsh Conservative group and the Independent Group both called for the decision to award the bridge contract to be scrutinised further. (Image: P Biebrach) Conservative group leader Councillor Di Clements, asked said that 'given its sizeable cost estimation and the high public interest in the matter, the Welsh Conservative group believe that this decision deserves full and proper scrutiny at committee level.' The bridge will replace the current arched red and black footbridge leading from the Riverside to the Western Quay. (Image: Google maps) That footbridge in now closed an diversions are in place while preparation work takes place. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council) The new bridge is due to be installed this weekend, Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17. During the weekend a larger section of footpath will be closed, and diversions will remain in place. There will be an exclusion zone to allow for installation works. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council) Path closures and diversions are available to view on the maps above.
