The Welsh planning inspectorate has upheld an appeal by the developers of the Royal Gatehouse site in Tenby to allow for a change of use of the premises at the town's former cinema which forms part of the scheme.

An application, submitted by South Terrace Properties Ltd. which sought a variation of conditions in respect of plans previously approved for the Royal Playhouse Cinema in White Lion Street, was refused by the National Park Authority's development management committee, in March, as they did not consider sufficient evidence had been provided to show that the facility had been marketed effectively for use as a cinema.

The application that was subject of the appeal, sought to vary the conditions in order to allow all of the commercial space, including the cinema, to be used for uses falling under Classes A1 (shops), A2 (financial and professional services) and A3 (food and drink).

In his report on the matter, planning inspector Gwynedd P. Thomas said that he accepted the arguments put forward by the developers that the retention of the cinema prejudiced the funding and implementation of the whole scheme.

"Whilst I acknowledge that many people wish to see a cinema re-opened in Tenby, I consider the appellant has made realistic efforts to market the cinema use and the evidence shows that a cinema or other leisure use on this site would not be commercially viable," stated Mr. Thomas in his report.

"On balance, I am satisfied that it is not justified to place the whole of the development in jeopardy on the basis that a cinema or other leisure use will be forthcoming.

"Whilst LDP Policy 2 seeks, amongst other things, to protect and enhance Tenby's facilities, I am satisfied that for the above reason, there is sufficient justification to remove the requirement for the cinema development on this site," he added.