A notice of motion calling for the site of the former Tenby Cottage Hospital to be used for affordable housing for locals has been rejected.
Instead, Pembrokeshire County Council were yesterday (Thursday) expected to recommend a comprehensive study to be undertaken to maximise capital receipts and to identify appropriate opportunities for affordable housing.
The notice of motion had initially been submitted by Tenby member, Clr. Michael Williams, who suggested a design competition using as a template the Ty Unnos initiative on affordable housing.
However, when council considered the matter, it was noted that the value could be further enhanced if the site was packaged as part of a comprehensive redevelopment and it was being recommended that wider discussions on options take place before the site was marketed.
In turn, it was felt this could help support the development of affordable homes across Tenby and discussions were taking place with Pembrokeshire Housing Association to explore appropriate opportunities.
Said Clr. Williams: "It is interesting that the refusal to contemplate the proposal as I submitted it is framed in such a way, 'a study to maximise capital receipts'. In other words, to sell it for as much as possible with no guarantee that the money raised will be spent in Tenby.
"When you consider that the people of Tenby originally funded the hospital, is it not reasonable to ask that all receipts from the sale of this site should be spent for the benefit of Tenby?"
He continued: "Council go on to say 'to identify appropriate opportunities for affordable housing'. The existing site is surely a clear opportunity for developing affordable housing, in particular for the young people of the town.
"Frankly, the response is exactly what I had expected from this authority, with no consultation with the two local county councillors, even though I had specifically requested this at the meeting when my notice of motion was referred to cabinet."
Clr. Williams added: "Once again the needs of Tenby seem to count for little, if anything, with the assets we rightly consider to be ours and which should be used for the benefit of Tenby in all probability being spent in areas well away from the town. One is almost driven to say, come back Dyfed!"