Affordable housing proportion rises as apartment plans replaced with family homes

AMENDMENTS to the final phase of a housing development in Saundersfoot have been approved, reducing the overall number of homes while increasing the proportion of affordable properties on the site.

Morgan Construction (Wales) Limited, through agent Evans Banks Planning Limited, sought permission to reconfigure the third phase of a residential development at Whitlow, Narberth Road, Saundersfoot.

The application was recommended for approval and came before members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Development Management Committee at its March meeting.

The original scheme, granted permission in 2023 and already partly built, allowed for a total of 54 homes. Under the revised proposals the number will be reduced to 47.

A planning officer’s report explained that the development is being built in phases. Phase one consists of 16 market homes, while phase two includes 19 affordable properties.

The application concerned the final stage of the project, known as phase three.

Under the original consent, phase three would have delivered 19 one- and two-bedroom apartments located in the centre of the site. However, the revised plans replace those flats with a mix of houses.

The new layout will include two three-bedroom detached houses, three two-bedroom detached bungalows, four two-bedroom terraced townhouses and three three-bedroom terraced townhouses.

This change reduces the number of homes in phase three from 19 apartments to 12 houses.

Although the number of affordable homes across the development will remain unchanged, the reduction in market housing increases the proportion of affordable properties on the site from 35.1 per cent to 40.4 per cent.

The applicants told planners that demand for the previously approved apartments had been limited. They said there was already a considerable supply of such properties in the lower part of Saundersfoot, while demand locally appeared stronger for homes suited to young families and for older residents wishing to downsize into smaller bungalows.

The report added that without the changes the final phase of the development could remain unbuilt, leaving future residents living on a partially completed site.

Committee members agreed to grant delegated approval to planning officers, subject to the completion of legal agreements covering planning obligations.

These include provisions to secure the affordable housing in perpetuity, along with financial contributions towards library services, recreational open space and sustainable transport.

AN APPEAL has been lodged against the refusal of plans for a takeaway food kiosk at a former lifeboat store in Tenby’s seaside harbour, despite planning officers recommending the scheme for approval.

Last March, members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority development management committee rejected proposals to site a takeaway food kiosk at the former RNLI lifeboat store at Penniless Cove, Tenby Harbour.

The application, submitted by Ruby Goodrick, sought permission to convert the old store into a takeaway cold food outlet operating seven days a week from 10:00am to 10:00pm.

The scheme came before councillors rather than being determined under delegated powers after Tenby Town Council objected to the proposal.

Despite the objection, planning officers recommended the scheme for approval, even though it represented a departure from the adopted development plan.

An officer report said: “Whilst it is acknowledged that the proposed use would introduce a retail element to this area of the harbour, on balance officers consider that no significant harm would be caused to the character of Tenby Harbour as a result of this development.

“The use proposed occupies a relatively small floor area and would not be a destination in and of itself. Rather, it would rely on the existing footfall within the harbour.”

Speaking at the meeting in March (2025), Alistair McKay, representing Tenby Sailing Club, warned the proposal could create potential conflicts with other harbour users.

The applicant told councillors she was “more than happy” to adjust the proposed opening hours. Ms Goodrick said the business would build on the success of her mother’s former sandwich shop in the town, Truly Scrumptious.

The proposed outlet, called Truly@The Harbour, would “contribute positively to the local economy,” she said.

However, committee members raised concerns including congestion in the harbour area and the handling of waste.

Members eventually voted by 12 votes to three to refuse the application.

The applicant has now lodged an appeal with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

In a statement supporting the appeal, Ms Goodrick said: “The proposal is modest in scale, does not harm the retail hierarchy, is in close proximity to the town centre, and has received no objections from the majority of the statutory consultees.”

The appeal statement adds that the refusal was based on the kiosk being outside the defined town centre boundary.

However, it argues that the building is located only around 25 metres outside the retail centre boundary and would otherwise represent a use considered acceptable within the town centre.

Claims about puppies arriving through Pembrokeshire port emerge as licensing probe continues

FISHGUARD has been named in allegations linked to an ongoing investigation involving one of the UK’s largest dog rescue organisations.

Animal Licensing Wales confirmed it is conducting an investigation after inspectors visited Many Tears Animal Rescue near Cefneithin in Carmarthenshire on Tuesday (Mar 10).

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended the premises during the visit but stressed they were present only in a supporting capacity.

A spokesperson for the force told The Herald: “Officers attended the premises in a supporting capacity only, to prevent any breach of the peace. The visit took place without any need of police involvement or intervention.”

The licensing authority has declined to comment further.

In a statement, Animal Licensing Wales said: “We are unable to comment on this matter due to an ongoing investigation.”

Fishguard transport claims

Reports circulating online have linked the investigation to allegations involving puppies arriving through Fishguard port from Ireland before being transported to the rescue centre in Carmarthenshire.

The claims include concerns relating to transport conditions, vaccination records and veterinary documentation.

These allegations have not been proven.

Fishguard is one of the main ferry routes between Wales and Ireland, with regular sailings connecting Pembrokeshire to Rosslare.

Animal welfare authorities have previously highlighted Irish Sea ferry routes as key points for monitoring the movement of dogs entering Britain.

Rescue response

Many Tears Animal Rescue has confirmed that inspectors visited the site to obtain paperwork and records.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “On Tuesday, March 10, representatives of Animal Licensing Wales visited the rescue to retrieve paperwork and records.

“No animals were removed from the premises during the visit and no concerns were raised about the condition or care of the animals on site.”

The RSPCA Cymru has confirmed it did not attend the inspection.

Many Tears Animal Rescue, founded by Sylvia and Bill Van Atta, operates from the former Cawdor Kennels site near Llanelli and rehomes thousands of dogs each year.

The nature of the investigation has not yet been disclosed.