PLANS to expand the facilities offered by a Pembrokeshire seaside town pub, which was once a toyshop, have been approved by the national park despite concerns raised by the local civic society.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, The Old Town Crier Pub Ltd, through agent Argent Architects, sought permission for the installation of a retractable canopy to rear courtyard of The Town Crier Pub, 3-4 Upper Frog Street, Tenby.

A supporting statement said the scheme for the pub, in Tenby town centre, with a rear boundary on the town’s Grade-I-listed 13th century town wall, “makes a positive contribution to the site, adding an elegant structure, which remains sensitive to the host building and the historic town wall”.

The application added: “The proposals are limited to the private realm of the premises’ courtyard, and do not touch the town wall.  The experience of the town wall from the public realm will remain unchanged.  There is no perceived impact on the historic town wall arising from the proposals.”

The application was supported by Tenby Town Council, but Tenby Civic Society raised concerns about the potential impact on the nearby town walls.

It added: “We regret having to put these views as on balance the modern scheme built on this site has a lot of virtues, one of which has been to open up views and appreciation of the inside of the Town walls to the public as customers.

“The application presents no justification for the impact on the inside of the town walls, and the proposal would in our view diminish the significance and appreciation of the inside of the town walls.”

An officer report recommending approval noted the concerns, pointing out the civic society was not a statutory consultee.

It added: “Whilst in very close proximity to the town walls, the proposed canopy is not readily visible from the public realm, the existing courtyard connecting to the highway only via a pedestrian door, this offering limited views into the site. In terms of overall impact on the special qualities of the National Park, the proposal is considered acceptable.”

The Upper Frog Street site of the Town Crier was formerly the Clarice Toys toy and novelty shop, and is called the Town Crier in tribute to the late John ‘Yobbler’ Thomas, a former proprietor of the shop and a former town crier of Tenby.

John Thomas served as Tenby’s town crier for more than 30 years, and was responsible for bringing four national crier contests to Tenby.

John and wife Caroline, who would become a councillor and serve as mayor in the town, set up Clarice Toys in Tenby’s Upper Frog Street after their marriage in 1961, with the business being later run by their son and daughter, Ian and Kerri.

A CALL to convert a financially unviable disused former antiques shop on the edge of Crymych to residential accommodation has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Clare Griffiths, through agent Josh Macrae, sought a change of use of a disused shop with ancillary accommodation above, at Ty Ebrill, Clares Shop, on the edge of the village, to an ancillary accommodation unit.

A supporting statement said: “Siop Clare is a mixed-use building in the curtilage of the main dwelling on the site, Ty Ebril, it comprises a small flat above a disused shop below. The flat, constructed in 2007, is comprised of a single modestly sized living space and bedroom area, with a bathroom; the flat is accessed by a set of stairs to the rear of the building. Since its construction the flat has been used as ancillary accommodation for family members of the owners of Ty Ebrill.

“The disused retail premises below is comprised of an open plan shop area with a conservatory attached, the conservatory was previously used as a flower preparation area.

“The shop was in use for a number of decades; it was operated by the current owner since 2003 and was previously an antiques shop, but has been disused since it was closed 2019 as it was no longer financially viable and the owner had changed career. Due to the shop being located within the curtilage of the main dwelling it has not considered suitable for the shop to be leased to another party.”

It added: “The change of use will require a minimal amount of work to covert the disused shop and modestly sized flat into a small dwelling. The dwelling would be suitable for single occupancy, a small household, or as continued ancillary accommodation for the main dwelling, this would create the opportunity for multi-generational living on the site should the owner sell Ty Ebrill.

“As there is a high demand for housing in the Pembrokeshire area it is felt that the proposal would be suitable and would allow the building to become a viable dwelling, creating a potentially low-cost home in the area.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

Asian-inspired takeaway launches on Quay Street offering fresh rice and noodle boxes

A NEW takeaway offering Asian-inspired noodle and rice dishes has opened in Haverfordwest town centre today (Monday, Mar 9).

Stix Noodle Bar has opened its doors at 1a Quay Street, promising fast, fresh meals packed with flavour for customers looking for something different in the town’s growing food scene.

The new business specialises in takeaway boxes filled with rice or noodles, topped with chicken and other ingredients, alongside a range of sauces and sides. The concept focuses on quick, freshly prepared meals designed to be both convenient and full of flavour.

Owner Shaun said he hopes the new venture will become a popular choice for people in Haverfordwest looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

“We’re really excited to be opening in Haverfordwest,” he said. “Stix is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavours and giving people something a little different to enjoy.

“We believe it’s going to be a great addition to the town and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers through the door.”

The takeaway officially opened at 12:00pm on Monday, with the team inviting local residents to stop by and try the menu.

Stix Noodle Bar says it aims to support the local community while bringing a new style of fast-casual dining to the area.

The business is located at 1a Quay Street, Haverfordwest, and customers can visit from midday today as the new venture begins trading.