Latest news with #HaystonDevelopments&PlanningLtd
Wales Online
3 days ago
- 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
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Hayscastle Cross housing approved after five-year wait
In an application recommended for approval at the June meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council's planning committee, Mr and Mrs Down sought permission for a hybrid application for the erection of one dwelling, along with outline permission for two more on land east of Ty Gwyn (Y Bwthyn), Hayscastle Cross, near Haverfordwest. The scheme had been brought to committee as it was recommended for approval despite being contrary to the authority's development plan, a sticking point being a small part being outside the settlement boundary. The scheme includes a commuted sum contribution to affordable housing, in the case of Hayscastle Cross set at 10 per cent, of the development value, amounting to £15,262.50. Affordable housing contributions in the county vary from as low as five per cent in Fishguard and Pembroke Dock to as high as 25 per cent in towns like Narberth. Five letters of objection raised concerns including drainage, traffic generation, housing need, flooding and it being a linear development. 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.' Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said he was 'shocked at the time' that had passed since the application was first lodged some five years ago. He said the scheme had faced 'a lot of hurdles' since it was submitted, including the Covid-19 pandemic, delays over addressing phosphate concerns and there being a nearby SSSI. He said the scheme, with its £15,000 affordable housing contribution, would 'enhance this little bit of Haycastle Cross'. The application was moved by Cllr Brian Hall, with new committee chair Cllr Mark Carter, whose own ward is nearby, saying: '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.' The application was unanimously approved by committee members.
Western Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Holiday development plans for Pembrokeshire zorbing centre
Zorbing is a sports activity rolling downhill inside an orb, usually made of see-through plastic. In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Lawson and Penny Owen, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, seek a partly-retrospective permission for nine self-contained holiday units and a twin-unit shepherd's hut, along with associated works, on land south of Nolton Stables, Nolton, Haverfordwest. A supporting statement says: 'There are two distinct elements to the proposal with the larger being the provision of five pods and four lodges which will be accessed by a farm track which leads south towards a former quarry and thence to the shoreline,' adding: 'The second and smaller element involves contains a virtually flat area with a separate but adjacent access from the local highway on which a 12 space car park is proposed together with the retention of a Shepherd's Hut (a unit of holiday accommodation) and its separate garden and parking area.' The retrospective element refers to a park enforcement officer informing the applicant of a breach in planning control for the shepherd's hut. The statement says the Shepherd's Hut is the most suitable for those with limited mobility as it does not require use of the unpaved track to a pod or lodge. The total development amounts to only a small proportion of the circa 400 acres across four farms all of which are in the ownership of a partnership comprising two brothers (of which Mr Lawson Owen is one) and their respective families. The statement adds: 'The income from the proposed holiday accommodation will form a smaller proportion than that derived from the agricultural activities undertaken across the four farms – an example of farm diversification where the agricultural activities remain the major element. 'In previous years the applicants operated a pony trekking enterprise and a Zorbing activity as part of a farm diversification strategy. 'Unfortunately, Covid required the cessation of both activities and therefore both a loss of income for the Partnership as well local jobs for those in the Nolton community.' It says the applicants have previously operated a 2.3 acre campsite which has been managed as an exempted site under license from the Camping and Caravanning Club for over five years, an outside cinema for up to 28 days per year for a period in excess of five years, and the Zorbing experience, and the applicants are considering modifying an existing building within the Nolton Stables complex as a wedding venue. It concluded: 'It should also be noted that this proposal is in substitution for the operation of a successful pony trekking enterprise and a smaller scale Zorbing activity both of which had to be abandoned because of Covid-19 and the associated requirements to minimise personal contact. 'The applicants have a history of diversification of their farming activities in and around Nolton. It is anticipated that this new enterprise will restore those jobs lost due to Covid and hopefully increase opportunities both in the construction industry and in hospitality.' The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
Pembrokeshire Herald
23-05-2025
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Historic first as woman and layperson elected to lead major Welsh Christian denomination
A PROPOSED new 'traveller site' on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, has been refused by national park planners. The Authority has served an Enforcement Notice on the site, which requires its return to its previous condition. The scheme for the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot, was recommended for refusal at the May 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's development management committee, having previously been deferred for a site visit by members. Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the scheme and the objection to the site is also being shared by the village's community council. Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd. Saundersfoot Community Council has pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years. There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened. Members have said granting permission 'would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park'. The community council's objection finished: 'The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.' A supporting statement accompanying the application stated: 'The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives. 'Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.' It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site. 'The application's aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.' A park officer report recommending refusal says the applicant has accommodation and is not currently homeless, giving only moderate weight 'to the existing level of outstanding unmet need for Gypsy Traveller accommodation in Pembrokeshire,' adding: 'That level of need should be weighed against the likely impact of development on the National Park landscape and habitat in this area.' It says there has been 'significant site clearance undertaken prior to the submission of the application, and the impact on the landscape, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience has been assessed as negative,' with officers considering further caravan development 'would exceed landscape capacity'. Speaking at the meeting on behalf of local residents, Helen Williams questioned the need for the applicant to have a site in Saundersfoot when he lived in Pontypool, adding that residents did not recall any caravans on-site since 1993. Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries said he had hoped the application, with a recently revised landscape plans offering additional landscape mitigation, could have been deferred. He said any refusal would give his client the option of either appealing or 'having a free go' for any amended future application. Mr Vaughan-Harries said that while Pembrokeshire was better than many authorities in the provision of traveller sites there was a need to deliver more. 'It's premature to make an application today but I still think this site has some merit. The applicant wants to go back to his traveller roots.' Saundersfoot councillor Chis Williams moved members support the officer recommendation of refusal, adding he supported Mr Vaughan-Harries call for more provision for traveller sites but stressed: 'however, I do not think this is the correct location.' Members backed the recommendation of refusal by 13 votes to two abstentions. Responding to the refusal after the meeting, Mr Vaughan-Harries said: 'To deliver Traveller sites is always a planning challenge but as discussed the essential need more sites is clearly there for the whole of Wales and Pembs. The opportunity of private sites also eases the burden on LPA's to fund traveller sites 'We respect that site is in PCNP, but there is a policy to still allow Traveller sites in their area subtext to criteria being met. 'The full impact on the ecology and visual impact was not completed by ourselves and applicant due to availability of suitable local surveyors and conflicts of interest. So it's likely we will resubmit to improve on the scheme and see if all ecology impacts can be mitigated even if it has to be off-site. This site has remnants of previous use and not a virgin greenfield site. 'I still feel the site can deliver a single traveller poach with up the date assessment and redesigning.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
23-05-2025
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Have your say – Help shape Haverfordwest Castle!
A PROPOSED new 'traveller site' on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, has been refused by national park planners. The Authority has served an Enforcement Notice on the site, which requires its return to its previous condition. The scheme for the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot, was recommended for refusal at the May 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's development management committee, having previously been deferred for a site visit by members. Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the scheme and the objection to the site is also being shared by the village's community council. Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd. Saundersfoot Community Council has pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years. There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened. Members have said granting permission 'would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park'. The community council's objection finished: 'The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.' A supporting statement accompanying the application stated: 'The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives. 'Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.' It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site. 'The application's aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.' A park officer report recommending refusal says the applicant has accommodation and is not currently homeless, giving only moderate weight 'to the existing level of outstanding unmet need for Gypsy Traveller accommodation in Pembrokeshire,' adding: 'That level of need should be weighed against the likely impact of development on the National Park landscape and habitat in this area.' It says there has been 'significant site clearance undertaken prior to the submission of the application, and the impact on the landscape, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience has been assessed as negative,' with officers considering further caravan development 'would exceed landscape capacity'. Speaking at the meeting on behalf of local residents, Helen Williams questioned the need for the applicant to have a site in Saundersfoot when he lived in Pontypool, adding that residents did not recall any caravans on-site since 1993. Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries said he had hoped the application, with a recently revised landscape plans offering additional landscape mitigation, could have been deferred. He said any refusal would give his client the option of either appealing or 'having a free go' for any amended future application. Mr Vaughan-Harries said that while Pembrokeshire was better than many authorities in the provision of traveller sites there was a need to deliver more. 'It's premature to make an application today but I still think this site has some merit. The applicant wants to go back to his traveller roots.' Saundersfoot councillor Chis Williams moved members support the officer recommendation of refusal, adding he supported Mr Vaughan-Harries call for more provision for traveller sites but stressed: 'however, I do not think this is the correct location.' Members backed the recommendation of refusal by 13 votes to two abstentions. Responding to the refusal after the meeting, Mr Vaughan-Harries said: 'To deliver Traveller sites is always a planning challenge but as discussed the essential need more sites is clearly there for the whole of Wales and Pembs. The opportunity of private sites also eases the burden on LPA's to fund traveller sites 'We respect that site is in PCNP, but there is a policy to still allow Traveller sites in their area subtext to criteria being met. 'The full impact on the ecology and visual impact was not completed by ourselves and applicant due to availability of suitable local surveyors and conflicts of interest. So it's likely we will resubmit to improve on the scheme and see if all ecology impacts can be mitigated even if it has to be off-site. This site has remnants of previous use and not a virgin greenfield site. 'I still feel the site can deliver a single traveller poach with up the date assessment and redesigning.'
