PLANS for a housing development on the edge of Pembroke Dock have been turned down in part due to the ongoing issue of nitrates guidance which has “essentially placed a moratorium on certain types of development” in the county.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, R Keeble through agent CFW Architects Ltd sought permission for a development of five new homes on land off Nelson Street, Pennar, Pembroke Dock.

The application was supported by Pembroke Dock Town Council’s planning committee.

In their report planning officers said the applicant has failed to provide a completed unilateral undertaking to secure the necessary contributions towards local needs affordable housing.

Welsh Water Dwr Cymru suggested a delay if approval was given: “The proposed development would drain to Pembroke Dock Waste water Treatment Works which is currently failing to comply with the 95 per cent quartile for its flow passed forward (FPF) performance.

“However, a scheme is planned for completion by December 31, 2026,” suggesting: “No buildings on the application site shall be brought into beneficial use earlier than December 31, 2026, unless the scheme at the Waste Water Treatment Works, into which the development shall drain, has been completed and written confirmation of this has been issued by the local planning authority.”

A preliminary risk assessment in respect of potential contamination has been submitted with this application, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has recommended a condition for further investigative work in the event contamination is found.

The officer report adds: “The proposed development would result in an increase in nitrogen discharges draining into the Milford Haven Inner waterbody of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) where features are known to be in unfavourable condition due to current evidence of both chemical and biological failure.

“The application fails to secure appropriate mitigation and contains insufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed development would achieve nutrient neutrality for nitrogen. Accordingly, it cannot be demonstrated that the proposed development would not lead to further deterioration of water quality.

“A conclusion of no adverse effect on the integrity of the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC cannot therefore be drawn.”

The application was refused on the grounds of the local needs affordable housing contribution and the potential impact on the Milford Haven Inner waterbody of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation.

Late last year Pembrokeshire County Council, in a letter to Welsh Government, raised the authority’s “great concern over Natural Resources Wales’ recent river nitrates guidance in relation to development, and the serious effects this is having”.

It said: “As you are aware, it has essentially placed a moratorium on certain types of development in Pembrokeshire, a situation with no quick or obvious way out.”

PLANS to turn Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema to a retro computer gaming lounge have been approved by the national park.

Following a takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland shut 57 stores last year, including Tenby’s branch on White Lion Street.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Matthew Mileson of Newport-based MB Games Ltd, sought permission for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, with its Grade-II-listed front façade, most recently used as a Poundland store to a retro gaming lounge.

A supporting statement for the change of use scheme through agent Asbri Planning Ltd said: “The proposed retro gaming lounge will be inviting to all ages, including families, groups and individuals with no age restriction. The applicant has several similar premises across other parts of the UK and operates under a successful business model.

“This includes a fee being payable to enter the premises which thereby grants access to unlimited game time to all consoles/arcade machines. There will be no slot or coin-based reward games, so the proposal would not be considered/classed as gambling. The site will provide snacks and drinks (including alcohol) which will be canned/bottled drinks.

“The sale of such drinks would be ancillary to the overall function of the premises, and a separate alcohol licence will be submitted, accordingly.”

It proposes opening hours of 10-10, Sunday to Thursday, and to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tenby Town Council recommended approval despite concern at the loss of retail, but agreed it would be a welcome amenity to the town as a wet weather and family entertainment venue.

Tenby Civic Society had asked for a simpler form of lettering on external signage, and also raised concerns including the loss of retail space potential noise levels from gaming equipment.

Two objections from the public were also received, raising concerns including a potential impact on residential amenity and the principle of the change of use.

An officer report recommending approval said it was “widely recognised that the role of traditional retail is evolving, and that many town centres are facing challenges to their vitality and viability,” adding: “In this context, the proposed retro gaming arcade offers an experience-led use that can operate in all weather conditions, helping attract visitors to the retail area throughout the year. The development would therefore contribute positively to footfall, activity and the overall vibrancy of the town centre, in line with national planning policy objectives.”

Of the potential impact on neighbours, it said the noise would be contained within the building, controlled by “door closures which should be in operation at all times and maintained to ensure that the doors cannot be left open for any significant length of time”.

The proposal, along with related signage applications, was conditionally approved by Park officers.

Prior to being a Poundland, the site was the Royal Playhouse, which had its final curtain in early 2011 after running for nearly a century.

The cinema had been doing poor business after the opening of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010 the opening night of the-then latest Harry Potter blockbuster only attracted an audience of 12 people.

THE TEAM at a Welsh home visits opticians service is celebrating after winning a top industry award.

Specsavers Home Visits (CATVOG), which is locally owned and run and serves communities across South East and South West Wales, from Caerphilly to Fishguard, has won the Domiciliary Business of the Year at the Awards for Excellence. The annual awards celebrate the achievements of Specsavers stores across the UK and Ireland.

Led by optometry director Jason Scaife and customer service director Alison Warren, the team are committed to delivering outstanding care and customer experience to their local community.

‘We’re incredibly proud to have been recognised in the Domiciliary Business of the Year category – especially since we were up against such amazing competition,’ says Alison Warren.

‘Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional eye care and connecting with our local community. This award is a wonderful recognition of that commitment. We’re proud of the difference we make every day and will continue to go above and beyond to care for the people we serve.’

The winners were announced at the Awards for Excellence ceremony in Birmingham on 28 March.

In addition to optical care, the Specsavers CATVOG Home Visits team also offers audiology services, as well as specialist support for people with low vision.

For more information or to book an appointment, call 01446 508128 or visit the Specsavers website: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-visits.