The planning application for the project that the Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) has in mind for the former Royal Dockyard Pembroke has just been submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council for determination. Pembrokeshire County Council is a partner of MHPA.
20/0732/PA
16-Dec-2020
Outline
11-Jan-2021
22-Jan-2021
Pembroke Dock Town Council
Pembroke Dock: Market
Gate 4, Pembroke Dockyard, The Dockyard, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6TE
Demolition, part demolition and infill, modification of slipways, erection of buildings and ancillary development - for port related activities including the manufacture of marine energy devices, boat manufacture and repair and erection of plant (outline planning permission with all matters reserved for future consideration)
Consultations Sent
The application covers, mainly, the area shown in this photograph from c.1910.
The application, submitted at this time of year so that we can all use our leisure time to peruse it (?), can be found here:
[Note: As many of you will know, Tinyurl is a service that shortens the text in links so that they are neither so daunting or unmanageable. The original link had 414 characters.]
The application form is the first item of interest. I must say I often do not read these parts of an application, but in this case I persevered and it was interesting. You can read it here.
Having read the application form I decided to try and read a few background papers that described the powers that are invested in MHPA.
I have just finished looking up details of the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983. I had not realised the extent of the powers that the Milford Haven Port Authority has over property in and around Milford Haven. These powers include tha ability to compulsorily purchase any property near the Haven (how near is near?) to pursue their aims. There are certain hoops they have to jump through, but in theory they could acquire your house or property if they were so minded. And yet, this body is NOT subject to the Freedom of Information Act (except to a limited extent regarding the environment). Is this reasonable? For an organisation with commitment to the population around Milford Haven waterway, how are they accountable to the communities they inflict their projects upon?
I can quite see that these powers might be appropriate if you wish to establish a safe port for the import and refining of crude oil where big, global businesses bring the PROMISE of good jobs and pay high rates to the local authority. This has international, strategic significance.
BUT, to enact these powers for a speculative venture, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, that will see the destruction of important heritage monuments in Wales with little idea about where any jobs will come from is, I feel, rather overbearing. Especially where the organisation's powers could allow them to find good, alternative proposals, preserving and allowing the heritage to provide another income stream for the communities along the shores of Milford Haven.
The Milford Haven Conservancy Act (1983) can be found here:
Or just Google it. Schedule III is informative - about page 55.
If I have misinterpreted this, or made a factual error, then please do let me know!
More to follow....soon.
Take care.😊
[Edited: 21 Dec 2020 - Title of blog changed. Published with working title originally. This has been substituted for something more dignified and less childish!]
