Row rumbles on over Robins' field

9:32am Thursday 14th June 2007

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A ROW broke out last week when the county council granted conditional approval to a scheme to build new bungalows on Pennar Robins' playing field, Pembroke Dock.

The controversial plan by Pembrokeshire Housing to build eight bungalows for the disabled and two for the elderly has sparked fierce debate since they were submitted in August 2006.

Members of a protest group against the plans now say they will be seeking legal advice as they believe the county council may have breached planning policy.

The council said the plans were adjusted after residents expressed their concerns and the two full-size pitches and the junior pitch would be unaffected by the development.

This argument has failed to convince some.

Pembroke Dock mayor Paul Weatherall said: "Of course we need these homes, nobody would argue with that. But they should not be built here, there are plenty of other more suitable sites in the area.

"This is a unique facility. I worry that if this development goes ahead, in a few years the field will be covered in houses, this is the thin end of the wedge."

Save Our Playing Field Bush Camp Action treasurer, Kenneth Marsden, said: "This is one of the best sports fields in Wales. The Army had it for years and they are well-known for taking good care of their land."

Chief executive of Pembrokeshire Housing, Peter Maggs, said the plans would not impact on the football pitches.

He said: "No facilities will be lost, the club will have the benefit of improved access and ten much-needed, affordable quality homes will be provided in the town."

What do you think about the plans?

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