PROPOSALS which will help bring the multi-million pound Saundersfoot Harbour enhancement scheme to fruition were given the green light by National Park planners last Wednesday, May 1.

The plans approved at the Park’s development management committee include creating a visitor centre, events space and up to 15 small commercial units in the former Barbecue building adjacent to the harbour car park, as well as the siting of a replica coastal schooner.

This would be used as an education and interpretation centre and would be a focal feature on the village’s events decking.

Two petitions containing nearly 90 signatures, together with 13 letters of concern or objections, have been sent to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority in relation to the Barbecue building, which was formerly the harbour Coal Office.

The committee heard that objections include over-development of the site, the impact on the character of the village and the loss of a green open space and public amenity area. The point was also made that the creation of new shops was not “sensible or feasible”.

Ten letters of support have been received, pointing out the role of the development in the regeneration of the harbour area, the all-weather capabilities of the proposed piazza and the economic benefits to the village.

Officers recommending approval have previously stated: “The current design is considered to sustain and enhance the local character, whilst also promoting modern and innovative design which reflects the overall ambition to develop Saundersfoot and the harbour into a destination place on the Welsh coastline.”

The Trust Port of Saundersfoot’s chairman, Philip Evans said the application was the final phase of a £10m scheme which would, in its entirety, create up to 100 jobs in the area, and hoped it would “mirror the huge success of Covent Garden,” as a “world-class” tourism attraction, with artisan businesses rather than “souvenir shops,” making “January as important as August”.

He told the committee: “Our young people joined the diaspora, leaving Saundersfoot; full-time weekly earnings in Pembrokeshire are the lowest in Wales,” adding: “This project is the crucial jigsaw piece.”

A report for members stated that although some designated open space would be lost at this location, but there would actually be an overall open space increase within the harbour area of around 1440 square metres.

Councillor Michael Williams raised concerns about the loss of green space.

The application was supported by the majority of committee members.

An associated Coastal Schooner Centre application, which would see a 70 foot-high replica boat sited in the harbour, referred to committee due to the public interest in the wider harbour scheme, was also approved.

It would provide a “new educational and tourism attraction”, said officers in their recommendation for approval.