An ambitious scheme for the redevelopment of a former café on one of Tenby's popular beaches has been described as "innovative, interesting and exciting" by one of the town's county councillors. At their meeting last Friday, members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park development management committee approved the application in respect of the Fountains Café on South Beach. The proposal is for two separate buildings, each of three storeys, with one block providing cafe/ restaurants and retail uses on the ground floor and nine holiday letting units on the upper floors and a surfer viewing platform, and the second block providing car parking at ground floor and 10 holiday letting units on the upper floors. Tenby Town Council had previously expressed concern over the plans, but having recently met with the applicant on site and discussed the application in full, councillors felt that their concerns had been addressed. "I have no hesitation in moving the planning officer's recommendation in approving this proposal; it is sorely needed and a huge improvement," said development management committee member and county councillor for Tenby, Michael Williams. "We've approved applications in the past for a scheme here, but nothing has ever materialised. I really feel, though, that this one will come to fruition and in the same way that the new lifeboat station has become an iconic building for the town, I think this one could also follow suit," he added, with his fellow member and county councillor Mike Evans also welcoming the plans. "We must make sure, though, that the wonderful vista seen from the gardens and play area overlooking the site are maintained, as the view is of paramount importance to the locals and the thousands of visitors who come to Tenby to enjoy. "Maybe the town council could also work with the developers on negotiating whether the Jubilee Play Area scheme that has been long delayed could be achieved as part of this new development process," added Clr. Evans. Members voted 13 in favour and one against approving the application.