PLANS for a new retail and housing scheme on the site of the Narberth’s old primary school have been unanimously approved, despite objectors claiming there had been ‘no meaningful consultation.’

The application came before the Planning and Rights of Way committee meeting on Tuesday, January 20 with a recommendation for approval.

It sought full planning permission to demolish the former school building and build a Sainsburys convenience store, non food retail units and 20 residential apartments, 14 of which will be affordable housing managed by Pembrokeshire Housing Association, and associated car parking.

Addressing the committee, the applicant’s agent Gareth Davies said: “We were successful in the bid for the scheme in October 2013, and our success was very much down to the quality of our design.

“Our proposals will revitalise the northern end of the high street, providing colour and visual interest.

“The bustle of day time visitors and the evening to-ing and fro-ing will lead the shoppers to the convenience store. There will also be the continuous occupation of the new residents who will add greatly to the local footfall.”

Gordon Barry was due to speak on behalf of the objectors, representing both the Narberth Future Forum and the town’s Chamber of Trade, but he was taken ill. Town Councillor David Norcross instead read his statement, before making representations himself.

He said: “As the town council we are concerned that no meaningful consultation following the submission of the present plan has taken place. We are aware that a public meeting was planned but cancelled as there might have been a lot of aggressive opposition to the proposal. This underlines that fact that true dialogue between interested parties has not taken place.”

Opening the committee discussion, Narberth Councillor Wynne Evans said: “I’m very proud of Narberth and what’s been achieved over the years.

It’s growing and growing and I’m as proud as punch about that. But we must move forward.

“We have a former school building which has been empty for five years and it’s frowned upon."

He added: “What tends to be forgotten in this application is the housing allocation. There will be14 affordable houses for people who live in Narberth and can no longer afford to pay private rents. I have 560 people on a list for Narberth. These people need to be in the town and have their children go to school there.”

Cllr Evans did admit that car parking is something that needs to be addressed.

His motion to approve the application was seconded by Brian Hall and all councillors voted in favour of approval.