CONYGAR has blamed the council for pulling out of plans for a cinema and retail complex on the outskirts of Haverfordwest.

It was revealed last week that the investment company had withdrawn its plans for a five-screen cinema, 60-bed hotel and ten shops behind Slade Lane.

Planning agents Axis wrote to Pembrokeshire County Council development manager (major projects) on June 1 stating: “Further to a recent email correspondence, we have been instructed by our client, Conygar Haverfordwest Ltd, to withdraw the above-referenced planning applications, and should be obliged if you would take this letter as a formal request to do so, on their behalf.”

Conygar has now issued a statement saying it was "disappointed to have withdrawn the application" but had been “unable to find common ground with the Council on Slade Lane, where we believe that our plans would considerably benefit both the residents and the business community of Haverfordwest”.

It also claimed that it pulled out of a £4.8million investment in Martello Quays, Pembroke Dock, because it couldn’t reach agreement with the council.

It states that its project in Fishguard harbour continues to progress.

The company statement continues: “Conygar has £46 million of cash and no debt. Our shareholders are keen for us to use our funds, not only to develop the investments we already have, but also to find new opportunities both in England and in Wales.

“We understand that there will be different opinions, locally, on the projects we promote, but it is logical that any institution will choose to invest where the local community welcomes its interest and involvement, without which it is difficult to make progress.

“The Slade Lane site is one of our key strategic ownerships and we remain committed to delivering a successful development to the economic benefit of the entire region.”

A Coyngar application for more than 700 homes at the Slade Lane site remains conditionally approved.

A separate application by Fairacre for a cinema at the Wilko site in Haverfordwest town centre is yet to be decided by council planners.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: "Pembrokeshire County Council is aware of Conygar’s recent decision to withdraw planning applications for Slade Lane.

"This decision follows extensive discussion between the two parties.

"The Council also acknowledges Conygar’s decision to withdraw from the Martello Quay’s project last December because the company’s feasibility study showed the project to no longer be viable.

"It continues to work closely with Conygar regarding their proposals for a new marina, residential development and port improvement at Fishguard."