PLANS to build 27 new houses in St Ishmaels were refused by the National Park this week.

The application to build the homes on land off Trewarren Road first came before the Development Management Committee on September 30, when members voted in favour of carrying out a site visit. That visit took place on October 12.

The scheme includes eight bungalows, ten three-bedroom houses, nine four-bedroom houses, and four double garage outbuildings.

St Ishmaels Community Council objected to the plans, raising concerns about the single-track road and how the otter population in the area would be protected during excavation of the site.

In the consultation process Pembrokeshire County Council's education department asked that a contribution of £3,064 per dwelling be sought in relation to local primary education.

The council's community regeneration manager also requested that all properties with three or more bedrooms make a contribution of £948.56 - a total of £18,022.64 - which would go towards enhancing the existing play area in the centre of the village.

Safety concerns and worries that the development would intrude on the landscape were also raised by local residents.

Speaking at Tuesday’s committee meeting, Cllr Reg Owens said: “I’d like to thank members for coming down to St Ishmaels to have a look at the site.

“My main objection wasn’t for the houses, but to the access, and in my mind the unnecessary butchering of beautiful hedgerow.

“I don’t want to deprive St Ishmaels of new houses, but I and so many local people are strongly against the proposed access.”

Cllr Owens’ motion to refuse the application was seconded by Cllr Peter Morgan.

Members voted unanimously in favour of the planning officer’s recommendation for refusal.