The developers of a proposed new mixed-use scheme in Tenby that encompasses the site of the derelict Royal Gatehouse Hotel have been criticised by a town councillor for 'duping' the public with what she claims is a premature planning application.

Applicants South Terrace Properties, a Dovey Group company, released a statement to the press last week with details of new plans for a scheme that incorporates the Royal Gatehouse Hotel and adjoining properties Milford House and Kent House, the cinema, land at Clifton Rock and The Royal Lion Hotel.

A spokesman for South Terrace Properties said that the planning application had been lodged following detailed discussions with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park authority officials and the Design Council for Wales during 2009.

Architect and planning consultants for the development, Cardiff-based C2J Architects, also said that copies of the applications were on display at the National Park's office in Tenby.

However, speaking at a meeting of Tenby Town Council on Tuesday evening, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown said that the developers were wrong to mislead the public into thinking the application and proposals were set to be discussed anytime soon.

The press release from the developers has given the public the idea that the plans are about to be discussed, but the plans are not on display in the National Park office and I have had it confirmed to me that they have yet to be validated and have not even been registered with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and until they are, then nothing can happen," said Clr. Mrs. Brown.

"Previous plans for the site have been withdrawn once before and further plans from the developers for the former Delphi Hotel and associated buildings along the South Parade and Upper Park Road have similarly been withdrawn recently, so the question I'm asking now is how often are the developers going to present plans for everyone to get excited about, only to withdraw them.

"Who is answerable for duping us? Are the developers playing for time putting in these plans and putting off the authorities?" she continued.

The applicants stated that the development would provide a prestigious landmark building at the town's eastern gateway, on the site of the former Royal Gatehouse Hotel, which would be redeveloped to comprise a 68-bed hotel, retail space, with on-site parking and 39 apartments. They believe that the scheme would provide economic benefit and amenities to the town while preserving an historical part of Tenby.

"Unless we pressurise certain authorities and get them to inform us exactly what is going to happen with the site, it will remain in the state that it is for years to come," continued Clr. Mrs. Brown.

"We, the town council, are fed up, and so are the locals and tourists; someone must know how we can progress this," she added.

County councillor Mike Evans concurred with his colleague with the notion that it was time that progress was made with the site.

"I just hope and pray that something positive happens soon with the site; it really is a blot on the landscape of Tenby and is detrimental to the town and affecting businesses in the area," he said.

"It's going to be a difficult road, but we need to look at the positives of these plans. There will be advantages and gains if a development there can be progressed," he added.

A Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority spokesperson commented: "The plans for the Gatehouse development have been received by the authority, but not yet registered.

"Once they have been registered, it is anticipated that they will be available to view at the authority's National Park Centre in Tenby. A further notice will be issued once the plans are on display at the centre," they added.