After causing a storm of protest in the town this week, plans for a controversial sign at a proposed new hotel in Tenby were withdrawn this week.

Applications for both the hotel and sign at the former St. Teresa's Convent in St. Florence Parade came before Tenby Town Council last week. But while members fully supported the hotel proposal, the suggestive-looking wall sign featuring a nun lifting her bodice met with disapproval.

This week, developer Sean Roche, who has applied for a change of use of the old convent, opposite the Five Arches, to a hotel comprising 12 en-suite bedrooms, along with a bar and restaurant, said he had not been aware of the full content of the sign before the application had been submitted.

"We put in a planning application with a structural change to the building and the plan for the sign was parallel to that application," explained Mr. Roche yesterday (Thursday).

"I hadn't seen the actual design that was put forward, all I was aware of was that the sign would feature the face of a nun, but I certainly did not approve an image of a nun lifting up her bodice.

"As soon as I found out, I contacted planning officer Cathy Milner at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and immediately withdrew the signage application," he said.

"I've also spoken to the clerk to Tenby Town Council, Mr. Andrew Davies, to clarify this and he is delighted with the response."

When discussing the application last week, members of the council labelled it "very inappropriate" and in very poor taste", also feeling that it was disrespectful to the nuns who used to run the convent there.

Councillors did, however welcome, the proposals to change the premises into a hotel, especially in light of the town losing so many over the past few years. "What with so many hotels closing in the area, it's nice to see someone making an effort to actually open one," remarked Clr. Damien Brown.

Mr. Roche hopes that the hotel will be a great addition to the historic town.

"I understand that town councillors gave a favourable response to the actual design plans for the building side of the scheme and I can assure everyone it's going to be a super place and we're hoping for a four-star development," remarked Mr. Roche of the hotel which will be called 'The Convent'.

"We're certainly not looking to attract a lager lout kind of clientele and I know that Tenby has been keen to distance itself from the stag and hen party crowd, which is something that we don't want either. The bar will be a place where people can enjoy a quiet drink or two in a peaceful relaxing atmosphere," he added.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority confirmed yesterday that they had received notification and were treating the application for the signage as withdrawn with immediate effect.