PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park's Development Management Committee will be advised to visit the site of St Davids' proposed Premier Inn when they meet next Wednesday, March 14.

A full planning application has been submitted to the national park for a 63-bedroom Premier Inn hotel with restaurant and 38 affordable rented homes, via Pembrokeshire Housing Association.

Initially outline planning permission was also sought for 32 properties for sale, built and marketed through Mill Bay Homes.

However, at the end of February it was agreed that this could be changed to a full application as enough detail had been provided.

A number of the market homes will be offered as shared ownership properties. A percentage will also be offered exclusively to local residents, or individuals with a connection to the local area, for a limited period of time.

The divisive application has caused massive controversy in Britain's smallest city.

Close to 300 responses were received during five-week statutory consultation at the end of last year.

Those supporting the scheme said that the new affordable housing was needed in the area.

Positive responses to the controversial hotel development were that it would create jobs, allow the housing to be developed, bring job opportunities, training and year-round economic benefits as well as increasing footfall in the city.

Those objecting say the hotel will not source supplies locally, would have an adverse impact on local accommodation providers, causing job losses and reducing job opportunities.

Objectors also expressed concerns that the hotel design was characterless and inappropriate and that 63 more rooms were not needed in St Davids.

The national park's own consultation has now been extended into mid-March to take into account the revised application for the market houses.

The committee is recommended to agree to a site visit before making any decision on the application. If they agree this would take place on March 26. The application would then come back to a subsequent meeting of the committee.