Plans to extend the existing boundary of the conservation area in Tenby were approved last week at a meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The proposals were given the go-ahead after members heard from the Authority’s building conservation officer Rob Scourfield who in his report stated that the conservation area boundary for Tenby had recently been reviewed, with plans to ‘significantly extend’ the conservation area to the west to include the Southcliffe area, important outlying streets, the Old Rectory and the Cemetery.

“The proposed extensions include the best-preserved later C19 (post-railway) development of the town, a phase under-represented within the existing boundary,” stateed Mr. Scourfield.

“Much of the proposed area includes speculative development, artisan housing and the two main Nonconformist Chapels, a telling contrast to the sea-front terraces and the commercial town centre. The cemetery area provides an attractive setting for the conservation area, as well as being of obvious social importance.

“Most of the buildings in the proposed extension are not listed, but retain their form and settings well. The main threats are alteration from householder permitted development rights including alterations of historic fenestration, removal of front boundaries and provision of hard-standings.

“Inclusion within the conservation area would ensure that such buildings would be regularly monitored. An Article 4(2) Direction control could be introduced if there is a real and specific threat to the historic character,” continued Mr. Scourfield.

The full list of land proposed for inclusion is as follows: The Southcliffe area including Victoria Street, Picton Terrace, Sutton Street, Southcliffe Street, Picton Road, Culver Park and St Florence Parade; Trafalgar Road, Church Park, Harries Street, Queens Parade, Battery Road and the Rectory Field; South Parade, north-east part of Warren Street, Clareston Road (north side), Weston Terrace, White Lion Street, Deer Park and Rocky Park; Outlying streets including St John’s Hill (north), The Green, Greenhill Avenue and Greenhill House (Library and Further Education Centre); The Old Rectory, part of Narberth Road, 1 – 3 Westfield Drive, Tenby Cemetery and land to the east of Slippery Back.

The proposed extension is a result of a joint project between the National Park Authority and a working group specially elected by Tenby Town Council, including members of Tenby Civic Society.