Local councillors and Tenby Civic Society have voiced concerns over proposed design changes to the historic Squibbs Studios building.

The application [Reference: NP/25/0568/FUL) for the proposed change of use of the photographic studio and offices located at Napleton House, Warren Street, into a family dwelling, were discussed at the most recent meeting of Tenby Town Council.

The four-storey building, which was home to Squibbs Studios was sold at auction for £240,000 during the summer of 2025.

Over the decades, the eight-bedroomed townhouse was the focus of the operation of a flourishing photography business run by Graham and Margaret Hughes.

Councillors agreed that the building is important to Tenby’s history, and that its character should be retained, suggesting more sympathy to the original design. Members also considered its heritage element. It was felt there should be no need to significantly alter the frontage of the building.

Members asked if there was any section 106 applied to the development.

Councillors agreed to recommend refusal for the plans in their current form.

Members of Tenby Civic Society were also minded to refuse the application, stating: “We are in agreement with the comments of the Conservation Officer that the external changes to walls, roof, shop and other windows are an undesirable loss of the character of the building, its ‘fit’ with the street and an unacceptable loss of amenity to adjoining residents especially at the rear.

“We do not object to the internal changes, but do feel a residential permission could be conditioned to residential only and exclude use categories for second homes or short term vacation lets to help restore Tenby’s falling resident population.

Civic Society listed a number of design features as being out of character for the building, its setting and its history, including:

• removal of Squibbs shop windows; their retention could be appropriate to a ground floor art gallery

• removal of the Squibs name tiling in the front door recess, clearly expressing the history of the building and its place in Tenby’s recent history

• and substitution on the frontage ground floor of an off centre out of character window for the street and the building

A spokesperson for the Civic Society continued, in their submission to the National Park: “The building has an important part in the special character of Tenby, and almost all of the internal features proposed could be achieved without introducing the negative external design features listed.

“We welcome amendments recognising the value of the buildings history, elevations and roof.

“CADW and the LDP Inspector were in error in not listing buildings for their local value or not having a ‘ local listing policy’ in the LDP; local character in such buildings are vital to place-making and the sense of place.

“Squibbs photographic studio was an important part in Tenby’s ‘local and holiday making’ history, as evidenced in their photo history records.”

The recommendations of the Town Council and Civic Society will be passed onto PCNPA, whose development management committee will consider the plans at a later date.