RESIDENTS of Little Haven are going to be better protected from flooding after planning permission was granted for a flood defence scheme.

The application was presented to the National Park's Development Management Committee meeting on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council on Wednesday (May 27).

Little Haven has a history of flooding through overtopping of the seawall, direct flooding via the existing slipway and through the gap in the seawall at the top of the foreshore, which currently provides beach access.

The development which seeks to prevent flooding to the village includes the installation of rock armour along the eastern sea wall, the construction of a new central wall to join the two sea walls, a new culvert built along the existing slipway, the installation of a flood gate and a small section of sea wall to be tied into the western sea all. There will also be associated landscape works, including extending the village green.

A petition of 125 signatures was received during the consultation stage, raising concerns of the impact that the flood defence works will have on the appearance and amenity of the beach, and the visitors who use the beach for recreational activities. Other issues were the impact on boat mooring and access to the beach for boat users and the RNLI.

The application was recommended for approval. In her report, case officer Caroline Bowen said: "The works will inevitably have an impact on the existing landscape setting" and "will result in residents and visitors having to adapt to a new coastal profile and it is recognised that some activities will no longer be able to be carried out, namely the mooring of small boats off the seawall."

Councillor Mike Williams said: "The choice here is to protect the village or abandon the village.

"If there wasn't a good reason to spend the money, Pembrokeshire County Council would not spend it."

He added that rock armour was the best form of protection, although it is not aesthetically pleasing.

Councillor Lyn Jenkins said: "The flood gate is unattractive and I'm worried that it's going to deter from the beach." She asked if a mural could be painted on it to soften its appearance.

Councillor Tony Wilcox said: "I've seen the misery caused by flooding. I don't believe the beach will change a great deal. This is the only option." His motion to approve the recommendation was seconded by Councillor Rob Lewis, and committee members voted unanimously for the scheme to go ahead.