PLANNING permission has been granted to a controversial development in Neyland after the applicant launched an appeal with the Welsh Government.

Mr Joe Manche sought permission to build a detached dwelling on land to the rear of 66 Cambrian Road. His application was refused by Pembrokeshire County Council in Feburary.

The main issue at stake was the effect the proposal would have on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

An appeal hearing took place at County Hall on October 23. It was presided upon by Mr Tim Belcher, an inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers. It was attended by Mr Manche, his agent, a Pembrokeshire County Council planning officer, County Councillor Simon Hancock, as well as concerned local residents.

During the hearing, Jacqueline Hurne, who lives on Cambrian Road, told Mr Belcher that if he granted planning permission, everybody else will want it.

Her concerns were echoed by County Councillor Simon Hancock, who said: “I would appeal that this place isn’t over-developed. The Conservation Area is very important and there is a great deal of concern in the town that should this application be permitted, it would open the floodgates.”

Mr Belcher’s decision to grant planning permission, subject to seven conditions, was published on Monday.

The news has been greeted by Mr Manche, who said: “'I did not wish to cause any damage to the Neyland Conservation Area, which has been home for the last 30 years.

This has been a long battle, and whilst our additional cost claim failed, it showed there was some inconsistency in the decision process with some Pembrokeshire County Council officers supporting our application and others objecting.”

His agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments and Planning Ltd, added: "After a number of refusals, we were delighted that our specially designed bespoke house has now been allowed. The inspector agreed with our analysis that the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and this permission would not create a precedent for other development in Lawrenny Street."