PLANS to demolish an old church in Milford Haven and build 10 flats in its place have been approved by councillors.

The application from the town’s deputy mayor Councillor Stephen Joseph came before Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, with a recommendation for approval.

It sought full planning permission to demolish The Light House on Stratford Road and redevelop the site to provide a terrace of 10 one bedroom flats, with five on the ground floor and five on the first floor.

Each flat be around 60 square metres, with each resident having their own off-road parking space.

Twelve letters of representation were received, four expressing concern and eight objecting to the proposal.

The main issues raised were the impact the development would have on the availability of on-street parking in an area where parking is already a problem, there is a concern that sewerage capacity is limited in the area and that the surface water disposal from the new flats could cause flooding. Nearby residents are also worried that the flats would cause overlooking, loss of privacy and light to adjoining properties.

Addressing the committee, Cllr Jospeh said: “This proposal goes back about two and a half years, about the same time as me becoming a councillor.

“It’s is in the middle of my ward and it’s been difficult with the opposition, which I wasn’t expecting.

“There is a need for one-bedroom accommodation in Pembrokeshire and each flat will have its own off-road parking space.

“I can’t help with the existing parking problems, but what I can do is make sure we don’t add to it.”

Milford County Councillor Rhys Sinnett spoke on behalf of the objectors.

He said: “Each flat has one parking space but there could be people living there with two cars.

“The extra traffic will lead to massive problems and impact on road safety.

“Residents have real concerns about the capacity of the sewerage system. There have been blocked drains in the area before. They are also worried about a loss of light and amenity relating to the design of the proposal."

Cllr Sinnett added: “They are not opposed to developing the site, but its design is objectable.”

During the committee discussion, Cllr Wynne Evans said he sympathised with the residents on the street, but he did feel that the application ticked all the right boxes and that there is a desperate need for one bedroom properties in the county.

His motion to approve the application, in line with the recommendation, was seconded by Cllr Keith Lewis. Nine councillors voted in favour, with one abstention.