Campaign For The Protection of Rural Wales - Pembrokeshire

Traditional Celebrations

2011-12-29T16:17:00.001Z

This year 2 Rocky Park was burnt down yesterday. Each time PCC Planning is closed for a public holidays someone sets fire to or demolishes listed properties standing in the way of redevelopment. Truly a Pembrokeshire tradition.

South Quay Pembroke

2011-09-28T02:59:00.000Z

C and G builders have been seen on site but no one will tell us what is happening. We hope it is to make the listed buildings in the ownership of PCC weatherproof and to stop further decay.

National Trust Stackpole

2011-09-10T17:55:00.000Z

The money grubbers and short back and sides brigade the tidy and pernickety are about to cut down more trees at Stackpole to park a few more cars.
The value of the estate lies in the mature trees with their capacity to nurture many different organisms. The National Trust puts people in town shoes and free running dogs first.

The depression continues

2011-09-08T09:56:00.000Z

Either PCC are not advertising planning applications or there are not any. The only way to find out is by looking for notices tied to lampposts or gateposts..
We understand that South Quay Pembroke
"negotiations are about to be concluded with a preferred developer Allied Land"
Are we to be told what is happening only after it is concluded with no chance of comment by local people.
This is the center of Pembroke the setting for the Castle and the one public open space.

Water spray why

2011-04-30T18:32:00.000Z

Stackpole Estate

2011-03-24T15:03:00.003Z

Once upon a time not long ago an attempt was made in the interests of Health and Safety to Crown Reduce the gigantic beech trees
Magnificent towering, all my lifetime they have shed branches but have been a unique habitat for all organisms.
Nobody has to penetrate the woods, with binoculars rare organisms can be seen.
I have been ill but we walked in the woods.
Clear felled how was this decision taken by what reasoning was it taken.Natural regeneration allowing fallen timber to rot and provide a rich habitat for many species, but no clear felling, this was the most majestic stand of beech trees in Wales.
The National Trust has taken a decision to exploit the earning potential of the estate by making wide paths clearing the understory and felling every dying branch. Increasing and charging for car parking and opening "visitor facilities"
.
LOOK AT IT AND WONDER.TRULY A FORE RUNNER OF THE CONDEM GOVERNMENT PHILOSOPHY WHERE EVERY ASSET SHOUD BE MADE TO PAY ITS WAY
Pembrokeshire is being opened up for development, in the process historic landscapes are being destroyed, wild life flailed to an inch of its life and all winter food reserves destroyed.Or is it because they have installed a woodchip heating system.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

2010-12-12T17:13:00.000Z

Operate dogs exercise and lavatory areas, one free running dog will clear all the sea birds from this feeding area.
This photograph was taken when all the dog lovers were doing their Christmas Shopping.
Beaches are for birds not for dog owners, PCNPA are failing in their duty of conserving wild life.
There should be a notice saying all dogs should be on a lead but these have been taken down on PCNP and National Trust land.
One woman with a dog on a lead walked across the top of the beach not one bird took off.
One man let his dog off the lead and cleared the beach. Dogs are destroying wildlife they must be controlled.

Winter Food For Birds

2010-12-12T17:02:00.000Z

A thrushes anvil a very rare sight in 2010

Birds have been feeding from this cow pat, there are very few in fields during the winter. If the animal producing this has been wormed with a systemic vermicide the bird will probably die

The Condem Anarchy

2010-12-09T11:58:00.003Z

The more we hear the more we fear for the future. Planning Legislation is being dismantled by stealth with little or no consultation.

We should have been able to rely on Liberals and Conservatives to value our historic natural and built inheritance.

Remember the period where Redwood as Secretary of State For Wales suspended all listing and granted demolition and development appeals despite opposition by Local Government Charities and Conservation Campaigning groups in Wales.

All we hold dear and all we have fought for over the years is being destroyed by a government which has no mandate for which most of us did not vote .

Do not rely on the media the BBC chooses which items to publicise. The media are cash strapped and no longer carry out proper research.

The World Service, The Parliamentary Channel with live uncensored debates are our only source of the facts, even then we have to rely on leaked circulars, Orders in Council and items deposited in the House of Commons Library.

We have no chance of keeping up with EU Legislation, which can be prioritised for adoption by National Governments.

So how do we move forwards?

Pembrokeshire County Council Planning Department

2010-10-26T19:10:00.000Z

This was not a tree

Pembroke Rocky Park

2010-09-23T20:24:00.004Z

This is in the Conservation Area. PCCs crusade to destroy each open area and cover every last space in cod traditional ticky tacky.These are not trees according to the Planners. despite the legal definition , they prefer to call them scrub with no conservation value.

Add caption

Built in mid nineteenth century in a Conservation Area said by CADW to be worthy of retention, listed incorrectly. At the site meeting the Planning Officer behaved appallingly.

At the Planning Meeting the Planning Officer and the Chair did not follow PCCs own guidelines for the conduct of planning committee Meetings.

Pembroke Mill Pond

2010-09-04T20:09:00.001Z

More disasters with public money by 21C

These reed beds are increasing the rate of silting up bringing the conversion of the pond into car parking ever nearer. This was salt water a breeding place for Bass and Mullet and home to sea Trout salmon and Lampreys, now inhabited by illegaly introduced coarse fish.

Castle Pond Pembroke

2010-09-04T19:05:00.001Z

Banks
Total weedkiller, agricultural runoff in the water.
Note one pair of breeding swans have claimed the whole pond and have killed twenty plus interlopers. And many duckling .
Compare this density with the hundred swans resident in the Mill Pond.

Pembroke Castlepond

2010-08-09T13:35:00.001Z

This is Castle pond after 21C have planted reed beds in a once salt water environment they will only survive if the Barrage (illegal man made barrier, Environment Agency) is kept closed. This conflicts with the EU Directive to reopen Pembroke River to migratory fish by 2015. If 21C introduce alien freshwater species to this water as in the Mill pond they should be prosecuted.

Pembroke ponds updates ignorance rules OK

2010-08-08T11:48:00.001Z

The whole area smells of dog urine the public lavatories close at 6pm in the touris season so now it smells of the stench of human urine.

tArgricultural run off each time it rains This is water used by children for organised canoing This is after C21 have planted the area with freshwater vegetation showing the increased rate of siltation.Several years of total weedlkiller and frequent mowing has removed all plants from this wide area along the footpath leaving a green concrete dogs lavatory. The tarmac path is one and a half meters wide.More recently planted vegetation showing the rate of siltation. C21 have applied for public money to turn this into an "amenity area" destroying more natural vegetation in a wildlife refuge.

This cottage has been refused planning permission to rebuild compare this with the application to build four houses a hundred meters away.Degraded polluted of no wild life value. How not to maintain a historic site

Pembroke

2010-08-08T10:47:00.001Z

Grossly oversize, alien design visualy obtrusive compare with the similar building causing PCNPA problems at the Parrog in Newport.
Apparent storage of builders supplies obtrusive car parking screening vegetation cut down.

Pembroke Pembrokeshire County Council failure

2010-08-08T10:42:00.000Z

This shows the lack of enforcement of planning Conditions in a Conservation Area
I photograph the site at regular intervals,all that happens is that the owners have put up a sign keep out private road.

East End Square speeding traffic killing pedestrians

2010-08-01T15:55:00.001Z

Thi is the vision for the pedestrian in the next picture for pedestrians crossing East end Square to and from the east of Pembroke Taking his life life into his own hands Another nasty "engineered solution" to the Conservation Area of the historic town of Pembroke (see previous blogs)

REMEMBER we were threatened with legal action by Pembrokeshire County Council for publicising the lack of pedestrian safety in the original plans (which have not been altered) submitted for approval.
The engineered limestone walls are completely unnacceptable to CADW see the next blog PCC can do it if they care they treat Pembroke with contempt.

Orielton Wall

2010-08-01T14:00:00.001Z

Pembrokeshire bank

Lower wall using local stone and lime mortar

Affordable Housing

2010-07-31T14:23:00.000Z

There is not and never could be a Legal definition of Affordable Housing. Built examples range from those out of reach of all the local young people to those that are only affordable by huge public subsidies, by local government housing associations and local make work bodies.
Affordable is site specific let alone Parish or County criteria. I am reminded of the early debates about how many angels could dance on the head of a pin. A futile exercise.
This is not the answer to local housing problems. Wales has always exported its young,more survive localy than at any time in the past. Does it make for happy successful communities, young people existing on State benefits and make work low paid non jobs.

Coalition Planning Law Changes

2010-07-23T11:58:00.000Z

Coalition changes announced in Parliament apply to England. Planning is devolved. BUT the annual financial settlements can constrain the Wales Assembly Government and other bodies in Wales without no local input.
It is important that we are aware of this and critically examine all Coalition Legislation and make our concerns in Wales clearly to the Wales Assembly.
For example 25 "affordable houses".who defines affordable.
This is site specific.
Planning referenda to be held at the same time as local elections. planning meetings are now held monthly with a fixed timetable so the proposals as announced will slow planning.
Many parishes in Wales would be overpowered by twenty five new houses. Who decides about the adequacy of local services.
Who controls consolidation of ground protection of watercourses traffic flow parking and so on.
This is yet another unthought out Policy with unforseen consequences.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

2010-06-18T12:00:00.000Z

Today I experienced the extremely unpleasant result of a series of questionable decisions by the Authority.
We have walked down the road to East Block House from the upper road for sixty years. Today the new owners have erected Keep Out Signs and ordered me off their Land.
We asked very politely if we could continue, but were told turn around and leave now, when I asked why we were told "that they had problems with the villagers".
When was the footpath diverted who owned the land at the time.
Why is the vehicle road now locked. Where does the land attached to East Blockhouse finish.

Pembroke Mill Pond LNR

2010-06-09T18:27:00.002Z

One of the Planning Conditions when these houses were built was that there was to be a ten meter undeveloped strip to be left at the pond edge to safeguard the wildlife.
The trees were felled by the developer on the grounds that "he could not sell the houses without a view of the pond" the householder on the left cleared his strip and has been told by PCC that this has to be replanted.
The owner on the right has since completely cleared the vegetation on his strip,by spraying???. When will PCC enforce the Planning Conditions.

East End Pembroke

2010-06-09T16:50:00.000Z

Heavy traffic to the Power Station at the start of the tourist season, no provision for pedestrian crossing.When it is completed there will be no provision for pedestrian safety even though the traffic will be speeded up.
We need a blanket 20mph speed limit in urban and residential areas not these outdated retrograde schemes, which destroy the quality of life and degrade the Conservation Area.
There must be traffic lights and a controlled pedestrian crossing.

Pembroke River

2010-06-09T16:15:00.000Z

Hardcore builders rubbish dumped on an SSI, PCC lease Pembroke River from the Duchy of Cornwall

Freshwater East

2010-06-09T16:10:00.001Z

A LNR in the National Park, diesel generator audible for a four hundred meter radius

Mill Pond Pembroke

2010-06-09T16:02:00.000Z

These ferns are on the pond wall,just been sprayed.090610

Total Weed Killer

2010-06-09T15:14:00.000Z

This is how we appear to tourists, I am sure that this weed killer is illegal. Despite telling PCC that this must not happen for four years running it happens every year. The mosses and bryophytes on the walls of the Mill Pond are killed every year while 21C plant reedbeds to encourage wildlife.

Captains Walk Pembroke

2010-06-09T14:37:00.001Z

These properties are being increasingly obvious with the removal of the natural vegetation on the Local Nature reserve margin.

Green Belt and Gardens as Brownfield sites

2010-06-09T13:57:00.001Z

Sir George Younger announced at Parliamentary Business, That Gardens are to be not designated as Brownfield sites to allow local authorities to prevent the loss of further green spaces in urban areas. He also announced his intention to suspend new LDPs JUDPs or whatever these new plans are called until he can introduce new legislation to prevent further erosion of Green Belts.
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN WALES WE MUST START THE CAMPAIGN NOW BEFORE OR HISTORIC TOWNS ARE DESTROYED BY GREEDY LOCAL DEVELOPERS AND PLANNING DEPARTMENTS WHO HAVE "A PRESUMPTION FOR DEVELOPMENT " within settlement boundaries and cannot take into account Conservation Area Status and the effect on adjacent Listed Buildings.
We have already seen candidate sites advertised for sale with outline planning permission, before the procedure is even part way through.

South Quay Pembroke

2010-06-09T13:46:00.000Z

Another stage in the attempts to release the area to the East of the Castle to the private sector for commercial development.
21C have spent public money commission a report by "stakeholders" written by a local consultant, this must be read and read criticaly. Comments to 21C by the Twenty Fifth of June 2010.
In the meantime the owners of neglected listed buildings and unlisted buildings with in the Conservation Area must be compelled to make them weather proof, so that they no longer decay until the only alternative is to demolish them as unsafe.
PCC are the owners they also have the statutary duty to compel owners to keep such buildings in repair.

2010-05-16T13:28:00.000Z

East End Square Pembroke

2010-05-16T10:42:00.002Z

The last greenery in Pembroke Main Street.Work has started when the peak of the aggregate delivery has been made to the Pembroke Power Station.
Two houses are to be demolished to straighten a bend before the rail bridge.Refer to blog Saturday6 March 2010

Filling Station Site Pembroke

2010-05-16T10:36:00.001Z

This was taken on the day the objections to the retrospective planning objections were closed So demolition continued after the retrospective planning application for demolition was made. Which officer gave them permission to continue.

Filling Station East End Pembroke

2010-05-03T15:47:00.000Z

In the PCC tradition retrospective Planning Permission has been applied for to Demolish the buildings, when the demolition is half completed. The JCB was withdrawn soon after we had notified PCC about what was happening behind the newly erected high fence. See 28th October 2008 post, photograph before demolition.

Richard Naylor - summonsed to appear at the Magistrates Court

2010-05-03T15:39:00.000Z

Richard Naylor owns a listed building on Main Street, he has displayed a commentary on the lack of Planning Enforcement in the Conservation Area of the historic town of Pembroke. He has been summonsed to appear at the Magistrates Court in Haverfordwest on the 17th of May by Pembrokeshire County Council who are objecting to the display!

Pembroke Conservation Area.

2010-05-03T15:10:00.000Z

The owner of 36,Main Street has been summonsed to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on the 17th of May to answer Pembrokeshire County Councils objection to his informative display of comments posted on his shop front concerning PCC planning enforcement of Planning Conditions in the Conservation Area.
His concerns are shared by most concerned residents,and most consider this to be a vexatious prosecution and a gross misuse of public funds.
Despite several public meetings a group of PCC selected "localstakeholders " are meeting in secret to draw up plans for development of the South Quay Site, after Public Consultations were overwhelmingly against the Developers Plans.

Pembroke

2010-04-21T14:07:00.003Z

The land opposite the Castle is for sale with outline Planning Permission for 65 houses at £5.500.000.
What do you think of the effect on the surroundings of this site of International Importance?
To view the plans see www.brettproperty.co.uk

Coasteering

2010-04-17T08:23:00.000Z

The last parts of the Pembrokeshire Coast are being disturbed on a daily basis.

Pembrokeshire County Council LDP Candidate Sites

2010-03-28T15:03:00.001Z

PCC chose to adopt the alternate system for the new LDP which invites people and developers to propose "Candidate Sites" for Residential Development.
Despite the Candidate Sites not being agreed.
Most of these sites are now advertised in the Local Estate Agents for Sale.
When I have asked PCC what can I do with the site if I wished to develope it I was told.
If it is within the Settlement Boundary, there is a "PREDISPOSITION" for Development.
I asked if it was in the Conservation Area, there are ways around this.
If it was covered by mature trees in the Conservation Area,there are ways around this.
If it is within the Town Walls with only pedestrian access, there are ways around this.
WERE WE CORRECT WHEN WE SAID THAT THE INTENTION FOR THE NEW PROCEDURE WAS A DEVELOPERS CHARTER AND A REWRITING OF ALL PLANNING LEGISLATION BY THE BACK DOOR.
Wales appears to ignore the government guidelines on Brown Field Sites.

Pembrokeshire County Council Road Works

2010-03-28T14:49:00.000Z

The road from Maidenwells past Orielton to the Power Station is being widened, trees cut down , what is planned for the wall around the Orielton Estate.

Pembrokeshire County Council, Budget Airlines Local Government

2010-03-28T14:46:00.000Z

Planning Policy
Limited notices of Planning Matters in Local Papers, too expensive.
Planning Notices no longer in Local Libraries.
Planning Notices in Local Town Halls,open 09.30 to 1230 Monday to Friday.
PCC Website no longer updated regulary, vital information not posted.
When asked for information PCC will not supply it but say that it is available in County Hall by Appointment.
When I said I was disabled.
Told "YESTERDAY A MAN OF NINETY ONE CAME IN IN AN ELECTRIC WHEEL CHAIR,IF HE CAN DO IT WHY CAN'T YOU".
PCC no longer acknowledge or answer enquiries by email or telephone.
This does not only apply to me Councillors are treated in the same manner.
Numerous developments are happening we cannot find out what is going on.
Why bother to pay our Council Tax.

Celebration

2010-03-21T16:00:00.001Z

Joan Bird OBE

Everyone who loves Freshwater East must be grateful for the heroic work by Joan in the conservation, maintenance of public access, prevention of mass development, and the eventual declaration that the Burrows are registered ,and a Local Nature Reserve.

Joan center is at her 90th birthday celebration, long may she continue.

Public Access versus survival of Rare Habitats

2010-03-11T16:19:00.001Z

Pembrokeshire has a very small area of relatively untouched natural habitats which have not been manipulated by human beings. Cliff tops cliff and rock faces inlets with no land access estuarine wetlands abandoned by man in the thirties with the end of inshore fishing,mineral extraction and transport by sea. So much of this land is now being accessed, just because we have the technology, it does not mean tthat we should use it.
Leisure access, Coasteering is best carried out in Bluestone where there are no rare organisms to be disturbed or destroyed, RIBs roaring around the coastal littoral have no place in a National Park.
Today I photographed Fresh Water East once a machair turf the out door refuge for Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. Short turf a wildlife refuge with low impact small scale temporary dwellings.
In the custody of PCNPA replaced by one developer by gross obtrusive permanent buildings all of which recently have cut down the trees supposed to screen them to give full on exposure to all. Many built much larger than the Planning Permission, as the controversial house on the Parrog in Newport.
National Park beaches are dogs lavatories, free ranging dogs have made the bridleways lanes and beachs unusable by horse owners.
WE want the old footpaths maintained,blocked footpaths reopened not by private action but by PCP who are supposed to act for all of us. No new footpaths through pristine areas
The boardwalk through the Top Pond Pembroke wetland is a boardwalk too far, cyclists, free ranging dogs, and vandalism in parts which were until recently inaccessible.
The well meaning use of chain saws strimmers and the clearing of water courses to change a wilfdlife site to fit the preconceptions of those who provide the finance. Why did the site qualify for Conservation status in the first place
Much better to access by a screened path from LittleGates to a viewing hide not an exposed boardwalk with open "viewing " platforms total disturbance of wildlife, or wildlife turned into pets by feeding do we really want the urban swans now fighting for food on the Mill Pond to pollute the Top Pond.
Anywhere else in the UK the dangers from such Coliform and Algal load are a Public Health hazard. So why is the Mill Pond managed to become a stinking polluted mess, a danger to Public Health in the center of a Town.
The latest danger is the development of "All terrain " wheel chairs, I am disabled but would not be selfish enough to demand access to all areas of SSIs.
DISCUSS use the COMMENT button to post your views, this site is for information and DEBATE.
MODERATOR 110310

Little Gates Footpath

2010-03-06T15:56:00.000Z

This is the present state of the footpath which is supposed to "go to the water" Shows what one person can do to deny access. Why is the right of way not enforced. note the pond dug by the householder.

Pembroke Top Pond Local Nature Reserve

2010-03-06T15:48:00.000Z

These photographs show what damage can be done to a pristine innaccessible wildlife refuge if it is opened to disabled access by use of public funds with no overall scientific direction. Bicycles, unleashed dogs, and voluntary wardens who do not warden "as it is too stressful". Notices multiple paths trampled vegetation inappropriate felling and clearing have destroyed all value as a wildlife sanctuary.

Council Owned Open Space East End Pembroke

2010-03-06T14:43:00.001Z

Holyland Road Houses to be demolished,to gain access to the land,with original teak dockyard doors and localy cast iron door furniture.

Back gardenEntrance from Station Road

Carn Ingli

2010-02-26T10:31:00.000Z

To add to a long series of idiosynchratic decisions taken on populist grounds the decision to spray Azulox to control the bracken by the Graziers on an SSI is open to challenge by all the interested parties.

Pembroke

2010-02-19T10:08:00.001Z

The next stage in the fifty year old plan to speed traffic through Pembroke. Completely unneccessary there is a perfectly adequate road up St Daniels Hill for the Power Station construction traffic, all heavy plant is coming in by sea.
The Refinery traffic has been accommodated adequately for years by the existing roads. Recently sums of your and my monies have been spent on traffic calming measures in Monkton. This new road will cut down fifty percent of the trees on the Commons.
The land which is to be exchanged should be part of the protected commons. Another example of PCC thinking years behing the times, traffic in residential areas should be discouraged and restricted to 20 mph not increased in volume and speed. All this with the East End Square demolitions is to free land for speculative development. The latest new build in Pembroke has given developers a killing, small substandard ( by Social Housing Standards) flats to be let at high rents to the workers who will be imported for the construction of the Power Station. Flats which will be unlettable and unmortgageable at the end of the period of construction.
Once again leaving whole estates of families with no employment.

Freshwater West

2010-02-19T09:48:00.001Z

Fragile inland blown sand overstocked badly poached not acceptable within a National Park.

Modern build, Lamphey

2010-02-01T11:06:00.000Z

Solid simple well detailed building in the local vernacular.Fits in well unlike the modern speculative environmentaly unfriedly tat, within the village..

Bungalow Lower Lamphey Road

2010-02-01T10:55:00.002Z

Almost complete with all original features

The entire plot has been cleared all the surface covered in reclaimed builders rubble

Where has this Cottage Gone

2010-01-09T10:11:00.000Z

Built

Built on the site of St Annes Chapel on the north Bank of Pembroke River this historic site has fallen to the Pembrokeshire tradition of demolition by stealth over the winter holiday period. Why how and what is planned for this isolated site.

Pembroke Development by Stealth

2009-12-27T15:31:00.000Z

A plan from the fifties to demolish the burgage walls and to tarmac the gardens as car parks to the North of Main Street has been resurrected in discussions with PCC Planners by local "businessmen".

In the Pembrokeshire the traditional first stage is to degrade the properties so that locals call for their demolition.
THESE ARE ALL IN THE CONSERVATION AREA

Plans from the past ressurected in Pembroke

2009-12-26T15:58:00.027Z

In all these photographs the bottom is where the town wall used to be.

Pembroke is an almost complete medieval walled town, in the sixties one quarter was "redeveloped" the town wall demolished the gardens tarmaced the high burgage walls demolished.
Now local businessmen have proposed the scheme from the fifties to demolish the North Wall demolish the burgage walls and to tarmac all the back gardens at the rear of Main Street as car parking. "See Previous posts" and the photograph of the hole in the wall between Somerfields and Paddles now being extended by stealth.
These photographs show Pembroke as it appears to visitors, their first experience of what when the Conservation Legislation was introduced into law in the seventies was the most important site for proposed Conservation Area Status in Wales.
THESE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW WHAT HAPPENS TO A WALLED TOWN WHEN "MARKET FORCES" RULE AND PLANNING DECISIONS ARE TAKEN BY "BUSINESSMEN".

Websites, problems for 2010

2009-12-19T11:21:00.000Z

Free speech and effective local government.
Practical transparency,community involvement, stakeholders all the jargon, these principles are under threat.
Websites which comment on Local Authority decisions praising the good, criticising the bad, and exposing the unacceptable are being threatened by unspecific legal action by Local Authorities.
The letters appear to have a common origin,complaining of the anxiety and distress caused to individual officers. Carefuly written, the threats in the letter saying that individual officers MAY take action but not saying that the Council will take legal action.
Many individuals will be bullied by these letters into not criticising actions of the council in the fear that the council will use their full resources to close down such sites.
To use a phrase from the past "They are Paper Tigers"

Croft Court

2009-12-12T14:39:00.003Z

This was the site of a semi mature horse chestnut.
When the Cornstore flats were built this tree was clearly shown on the plans. PCC guidelines are clear on the space to be left around growing trees. This is a Conservation Area.
An application was made to remove the tree, this was refused so how do we end up with this mutilation.

Pembroke barrage

2009-12-12T14:34:00.001Z

This leak of hydraulic fluid has been ongoing

More disasters in Pembroke

2009-11-18T18:32:00.003Z

When Planning Permission was given for this development a condition was that a 10 metre strip was to be left wild to give a buffer for the wildlife which rely on using the banks of the Mill Pond a Local Nature Reserve.
The builder was cutting the trees down to provide a view so he could sell the houses. He was stopped, the owner then strimmed the strip clear he was stopped. Now the whole area has been cleared to bare soil. Just shows how PCC enforce Planning Conditions.

Pembroke

2009-11-17T12:08:00.005Z

The Council House Estate on the Green was built soon after the War. Housing built to Parker Morris Standards built of traditional materials by craftsmen. Good size gardens, when the estate was laid out the hedgerow trees were incorporated in the layout.
With sale the owners are free to do what they want the latest fad is to remove the chimneys, one owner does it they all follow.
THIS CHIMNEY IS BEING REPAIRED IT WILL LAST ANOTHER 70YEARS

36 Main Street Pembroke

2009-11-17T11:51:00.006Z

Read and digest as we were told in school. Note the involvement of Angela Burns AM as the latest recruit to the concern at the disgrace which is Pembroke.
The latest is the campaign to demolish the Burgage Walls to the North of Main Street to build a car park for 150 cars.
We must applaud the Conservation Officer who has passed the latest conversions in the Conservation Area and be aware of all the horrors which are being proposed many planned fifty years ago.
Please back the owner of 36 Main Street and do not blame him for the complex situation and the condition of the property.

Riverside Pembroke

2009-11-11T14:25:00.003Z

A building mentioned in contemporary Architechtural text Books. Part listed, now used as a Local Authority Hostel. This part is being vandalised, which in Pembroke is in preparation for demolition.
The Building has now been made safe 091209

Riverside Pembroke

2009-11-11T14:18:00.004Z

New development behind Woodbine Terrace Pembroke. Simple vernacular houses but vertical crazy paving Pennant stone detailing.
Note the rebuilt wall by PCC lime mortar original limestone very good practice.

New House added to existing terrace

2009-11-11T14:13:00.003Z

PCC approved this house built in the end of an existing terrace, it is modern but in the vernacular. A good development.

Atmospheric Pollution

2009-11-09T16:19:00.001Z

A cold still day reveals releases into the atmosphere which are normally hidden

Wall repair with lime mortar

2009-11-09T14:35:00.007Z

Wall hidden by vegetation and partially fallen down, rebuilt using the reclaimed stone.

An enlightened owner and a competent tradesman
Dante Bergson 01437 563221 07816 770050

Suitable activities in a National Park

2009-11-09T14:26:00.004Z

Feet dog paws gross dog faeces.

Pembroke Pembroke Dock

2009-10-29T16:28:00.004Z

Planning application 09/0394/PA TO JOIN PEMBROKE TO PEMBROKE DOCK BY BUILDING 150 HOUSES ON A GREEN FIELD SITE. THE USUAL PIOUS RUBBISH ABOUT HOUSING for future jobs if so why are there so many new unsold unoccupied dwellings in the town.
The sewage system is already overloaded, with no effort by Welsh Water to cure the release of untreated sewage to Castle Pond and Pembroke River.
Another example of the acceptance by PCC of deliberate degradation of a site in preparation for development.
Objections to PCC Planning asap.

Eastgate Hill Pembroke

2009-10-28T20:44:00.002Z

The owner of Castle Garage when he applied for planning permission took a chain saw to the trees in the Ancient Garden without the owners permission.
Because it was in a Flood Zone the Environment Agency required the block of flats to be built with a one meter gap underneath to allow the water to flow freely.
No insurance company would insure the building so it will not be built.

Insects

2009-10-09T13:21:00.003Z

Once upon a time if you drove a car in this country, the windscreen was covered in splatted insects.
Filling stations provided water and sponges so that motorists could clear their windscreens.
Drive on the continent now the windscreen is covered in insects.
UK no insects WHY?

Childhood Memories, some are left

2009-10-06T09:21:00.003Z

A Pembrokeshire lane one of the few left untarmaced. As a child I remember more roads in this condition.

Food for the Birds

2009-10-06T08:53:00.007Z

All over the UK hedges are being flailed destroying all the fruits nuts seeds and berries for birds and all the overwintering cover for insects.
We have created a wildlife desert in the name of tidyness.
At the time that migrating birds are passing through we have destroyed their food sources.

SHAME ON US ALL.

Coasteering

2009-09-19T12:31:00.004Z

Commercial pressure is leading Pembrokeshire County Council to promote this activity.
The coast protected by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is fragile and already substantialy damaged by the Sea Empress Disaster and the decision to clean the beaches and rocky shores. The affected beaches look marvellous, why because the rocks are clear of all animals and plants sterile and dead, the beach is clean no amphipods no sea weed flies no burrowng animals.
Coasteering is taking large groups into previously untouched areas. Frightening the wild life interfering with their breeding. The worst effect is the use of footware with gripping rubber soles on rock surfaces which are colonised by organisms, one foot marginal damage, sixty at a time a disaster, sixty several times a day apocalypse.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is failing in its duty of care in allowing such damaging activities for commercial gain.

Stackpole Estate Woods

2009-09-04T09:58:00.009Z

Mature rhodedendrons dominating the understorey.
An area of cleared rhodendendrons ,ferns regenerating.
Showing the dominance of rhodedendrons.
Felled but not defeated, every last scrap will regrow.
Why the timber has to be cleared or burnt to stop vegetative regrowth.

The woods at Stackpole are planted but since the war have not been managed. Rhodedendrons have run wild and the standard trees are reaching maturity.
The estate are managing the woods, but must be prepared for rampant blackberries to colonate the cleared ground. The most attractive regrowth are the ferns and bryophytes.

Media prespective at Climate Camp 2009

2009-08-30T04:09:00.001Z

Click to Play

Journalist Natasha Bird discusses the media coverage and local reaction to 2009 Climate Camp. Recorded using solar power inside Climate Camp overlooking London http://visionOn.tv

Pembroke Conservation Area

2009-08-28T14:42:00.009Z

Gross failures by Pembrokeshire County Council Conservation Area Enforcment.
This traditional Pembrokeshire Cottage was sound and habitable, until it was bought by a developer, who applied to demolish it to incorporated it in a massive redevelopment which was turned down. It is now being deliberately neglected following the example set by PCC owned properties . What a waste.
OCTOBER the cottage has now been tidied up and repaired.Conservation Area recent plastic door
How to destroy a limestone lime mortar traditional building, remove the render repoint with ribbon cement mortar guaranteed to fail within twenty years and dissolve the lime mortar infill, making the inside incurably damp.By order of PCC Building requirements.
And again.
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL GO AND HAVE A LOOK AT ST FLORENCE

Tudor House Pembroke

2009-08-28T14:32:00.004Z

South Haven Developments have shown what can be done to Conserve and enhance the Conservation Area of Pembroke.

Pembroke East End Square

2009-08-28T14:22:00.002Z

The last remaining greenery at the End of Main Street to be removed to save micro seconds
for the traffic to the new REPLACEMENT POWER STATION.
The manager has told me that this is not necessary as all heavy plant is to come in by sea for the construction of the new station.
He is very unhappy that the power station is to be used as an excuse for further environmental vandalism by Pembrokeshire County Council.

East End Square Pembroke Demolition of parts of St Michaels Church Hall

2009-08-26T13:46:00.009Z

There is a planning application 09/0324/CA to widen the road to the east of the square to speed the traffic through the square down Well Hill. Already the traffic drives far too fast through the square. A convoy of light tanks bound for the Range at Castlemartin all made the temporary speed sign flash and show thirty five and forty,before roaring past the relocated Golden Grove School.
ANY PEDESTRIANS LIVING TO THE EAST OF HOLYLAND ROAD/WELL HILL HAVE TO CROSS AT THE SQUARE TO REACH PEMBROKE
The road is now narrow which slows the traffic but it is still a very dangerous road to cross.
In the published plans there is no provision for pedestrians or cyclists, although the scheme is proposed by PCC for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists.(from documents attached to the planning application)

The scheme is promoted by Councillors as part of their long held scheme of bringing Pembroke into her version of the twenty first century by speeding up the through traffic

WHEN WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING IS THAT A TWENTY MILE AN HOUR LIMIT BE IMPOSED WITHIN THE CONSERVATION AREA.
Objections to PCC Planning by 09092009

The false front of Pembrokeshire County Council

2009-08-26T06:14:00.008Z

In the Conservation Area these properties are to be demolished to allow the Dark Way to be widened to speed the traffic, when the obvious answer is to introduce a 20 mph speed limit within the Conservation Area.The years of deliberate neglect by Pembrokeshire County Council (owners) This cosmetic paint job with plywood windows and doors is their answer. These buildings surround the Castle and provide a dignified setting.
These buildings have been open to the weather for decades to decay so far that local people call for their demolition. Planned for 2010 or 2011.
A working group of of PCC meet the developers.

Hidden History

2009-08-25T17:27:00.003Z

In the early part of the war preparations were made to hold up invaders.At the north end of the Mill Bridge temporary concrete blocks were rolled into the road to block the traffic. When invasion was not feared the blocks were rolled over the side into the Castle Pond, through a gap in the parapet.They can be seen at the foot of the Cornstore Quay, when the pond is drained

Castle Pond Pembroke

2009-08-25T17:04:00.007Z

When the pond was drained for the Annual Inspection of the Barrage, the water was black and anoxic, there were adults and children swimming in the foul water, reminiscent of a third world country shanty town.

Welcome to Pembroke

2009-08-25T14:39:00.006Z

This what greets the visitor to this historic medieval walled town
Tatty tack
Designed by the visualy illiterate.
?

Pembrokeshire County Council and predecessors

2009-07-20T08:56:00.002Z

Lime Mortar, carboniferous limestone field stone buildings. Most of the older buildings in the South of the County will be destroyed by Building Regulation and local Authority Advice on their repair.
I have been surveying unoccupied buildings in the ownership of PCC. Those built of carboniferous limestone fieldstone are being deliberately destroyed so that the can be demolished as unsafe, Listed or not. All the buildings in the ownership of PCC or other public bodies in Pembroke Conservation Area,are at risk of eventual demolition if left in their present state.
I am contactiong other private owners with the intention of a Class Action for damages and the cost of repair to their properties.
Please email this site for more information.
Photographs to add to my collection for Documentary Evidence welcome, I will not publish names and addresses as these affect resale value under the new regulations,governing sale.
At the moment I cannot post photographs but am working on it. Editor

LNG

2009-07-20T08:51:00.002Z

Since my last post Dragon LNG has had its first tanker. Gross unwieldy vessels with command and control at the stern ideal for ploughing down small vessels.
No Emergency Planning published.

PCC Response

2009-06-21T07:05:00.001Z

Total weedkiller , short mown areas before flowering to create dead verges green concrete and bark mulched non flower beds, bare soil .

Armageddon

2009-03-26T10:29:00.001Z

MV Tembek is still fully loaded alongside the jetty and will be there for another 16 days. Still no evacuation plans announced we are to be left to our fate by a cynical Government in London.

Liquid Natural Gas in Wales

2009-03-01T14:58:00.003Z

Click to Play

Two plants are about to open. There was a practice alert the alarm was scheduled to sound. If you are within a seven mile radius of Dragon and South Hook, did you hear it, we did not in Pembroke, or is it restricted to the half mile radius from the plants The seven mile radius is a conservative estimate of the danger from a Vapour Cloud Explosion. http://visionon.tv http://loveitorloseit.info

Sign the petition http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/SaveWestWales

Liquid Natural Gas

2009-02-08T10:47:00.003Z

I would normally post photographs of the Dragon and LNG Plants BUT with the latest clause in the Police Bill I hesitate. How can I tell if there is a minute child in distance in the picture how can I tell if an adult has not given me permission to photograph them how can I tell if the photograph I have taken could be deemed to be used for Terrorist purposes even if thousands of people view the same scene daily, how do I know that a property or landowner objects to my taking photographs of their property. How do I know if there is a sensitive Council or Government employee in the photograph how can I tell if there is an off duty policeman in the photograph how can I tell if there is a plainclothes police person in the photograph.
When Gordon Brown was asked to clarify the laws and misuse of the laws on photography by the police he replied "take it up with your local Chief Police Constable".

THIS IS HOW HITLER OPERATED,BEFEHL IST BEFEHL

Liquid Natural Gas

2009-01-25T10:16:00.003Z

Two plants are about to open with the first shipment of LNG in a fortnight.
Saturday 240109 there was a practice alert the alarm was scheduled to sound. If you are within a seven mile radius of Dragon and South Hook, did you hear it, we did not in Pembroke, or is it restricted to the half mile radius from the plants
The seven mile radius is a conservative estimate of the danger from a Vapour Cloud Explosion.

New Library Pembroke

2008-11-19T15:06:00.004Z

This addition to an existing building in the Conservation Area has been built with Carboniferous Limestone according to Pembrokeshire County Council. I rather think it is Pennant Stone applied as vertical crazy paving. Who is incompetent or do they not know the difference.

The Cornstore Pembroke

2008-11-19T15:00:00.002Z

This building has been conserved and converted into a retail shop and cafe by Pembrokeshire County Council using public funds. It has been sold to the occupier for £365,000, less than one fifth of the public money spent on the building.

Award?Chapel Manorbier Newton

2008-11-11T18:31:00.006Z

First of three ecclesiastical buildings all worthy of an Award. All very different.
Neyland a very large building convereted into five large appartments.
Manorbier a small village centre ruin on a waterlogged site. Rebuilt to a very modern high finish.
The School Room Rhoscrowther is in the entail of St Decumanus's Church Rhoscrowther.

Built in 1830 abandonned in standing water. Extensive ground works for drainage complete repoint reroof, rain water goods.
Interior made good and fitted with free standing mezzanine using very high quality materials with great attention to detail.

Award ?National School Church School, Rhoscrowther

2008-11-08T18:35:00.004Z

Total different, this derelict School Room Built 1851 has been repaired not renovated, using materials collected over the years from demolition sites and skips. Paints salvaged, ironwork, recut slates, lime mortar, real stone, internal floorboards repaired not replaced plasterwork repaired not replaced real light fittings switches iron work window frames original glass. A magnificent example of repair and reuse, it is Grade Two listed but is now up for sale.
View by Guy Thomas rightmove.co.uk

Award? Chapel Main Street Neyland

2008-11-08T16:55:00.004Z

On of three Chapels to be considered for the CPRW Award. Built in 1865 now renamed Gambion Court.
The building was derelict,the exterior has been sandblasted all stone replaced with identical stone rainwater goods repaired with new cast ironwork from Germany. Completely repointed .
The interior has been converted into five luxury apartments, several with grand rooms. Three and five bed apartments, respecting the original structure and maintaining the distinctive features. The internal work has paid great attention to soundproofing, isolating the five apartments by double cavity walls all load bearing structures which are common are mounted in sound absorbing material. The solid floors are very thick with applied sound insulation. The work is to the very highest standard all wood work has been repaired doors windows etc have been made from new to the original, with use of Welsh Oak and iroko, pitch pine where possible.

Pembroke Trees

2008-11-02T16:33:00.002Z

When the Council Houses were built the architect laid out the estate to keep the hedgerow trees as much as possible,these added to the surroundings.
Richard Staden refused to place aTree Preservation Order on these trees as "they were on private property" those still in PCC ownership "need no protection as PCC is a responsible authority". In the last year most have been felled others have been mutilated. So much for protection ,there is no reason for employing a Tree Protection Officer by PCC.

Present Day Planning a Warning

2008-10-31T09:01:00.004Z

Redevelopment has been left in the hands of stupid, shortsighted and sometimes corrupt local councils, aided and abetted by third rate architects and get rich quick builders.
Jeremy Paxman "The English" isbn 0-14-029040-0
Credit Crunch has opened a gateway for every get rich quick person to apply for Demolition Consent and Planning Consent for schemes and sites which would normally not be considered.
These sites will be derelict for years until the economy recovers (if ever) sites to build low standard cheaply built expensive housing.
All at the expense of the Council Charge Payers through lost revenue.

Credit Crunch

2008-10-28T11:04:00.013Z

Grade 2 listed wall,demolished by permission of an officer of PCC
Site for redevelopment, with listed buildings in the ownership of PCC deliberately neglected to become offensive to neighbouring property owners therefore a reason for clearance.(officer of PCC)
Golden Farm Prison Site ,cleared with no archeological investigation or recording( permission by officer of PCC)
Derelict site on the Main Street.
North Quay completed no sales no lets
Tudor House planning given for flats , but ground is contaminated.
Deliberately neglected so that PCC Councilor can say "this is the last stage of tidying up this area" to give access to land for redevelopment to free up land for redevelopment despite the adjacent building sites being on hold. Demolition Consent Granted

What a euphenism, really licensed theft. What an opportunity to cut growth and end the rampant greed of the west.
We have recently been in Ireland, endless similar gross new empty housing. Whole estates of empty "country cottages" to let for the holiday trade. We are all going to pay for these idiocies through the European Community.
Pembroke West Wales a gaddarine rush to demolish Conservation Areas.
Planners "not allowed to take into account cleared contiguous building sites, not allowed to take into account developments in which every property is empty.
BUT The CEO's are in Duty of Care to the Council Tax Payers.
They have a Fiducary Duty to examine the financial stability of potential developers by a process of Due Diligence.
They are responsible they have to carry the can for every cleared site for the blight on neighbouring properties and for the continuing loss of revenue.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

2008-09-23T08:16:00.003Z

In the New JUDP proposal there is provision to build many houses within the National Park.
Groups of up to seventy new dwellings with no public transport no shops no amenities an environmentaly unsustainable disaster in the making. PCNP is a Park with limited area, mostly a narrow strip of coast land accessed by a coast path with gross intrusions to allow wheel chair access. Consequently it has its wild life driven away it is a barren area for all except a few birds. A dogs lavatory for dogs which are allowed to run free and drive out all wildlife necssary to maintain the vegetation of the coast edge.
The marine margin is biologicaly diminished by uncontrolled bait digging, the shore which appears to be pristine is only so because the animals and plants have not recolonised the clean rock surfaces after the Sea Empress disaster.
WE HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PARK AND NO CONFIDENCE IN THE POLITICAL OVERSIGHT BY THOSE WE ELECT TO REPRESENT ALL INTERESTS.

North Quay Pembroke

2008-08-26T08:43:00.004Z

This elm is at the boundary of Croft Court and North Quay. IT IS IN A CONSERVATION AREA where strict rules apply. Half the roots were cut off by excavation for the North Quay, despite the rules which govern the care of trees in a Conservation Area. The original plans should have taken into account the trees on the site. PCC have no intention of protecting trees when they are in a speculative development This is a ten foot deep rock face, despite the loss of half its roots the tree is healthy and thriving.
If the buildings are built to the planning specification and this then happens it is part of a pattern in which no consideration is given to trees. When North Quay was built half the roots and halfh the branches were removed, now they want to remove the tree completely

Trees in a CONSERVATION AREA must be sacrosant.
Please object be Friday29th August to PCC ref DP/ENV/21/008