New native hedgerows and more than 280 individual trees are being planted as part of the site clearance work for the new Brynhir housing development in Tenby, after a number of trees removed recently on the route into the seaside town were said to be suffering from ash dieback.

Initial work for the much-antcipated Brynhir scheme commenced at the start of November by developers Morgan Construction Wales, with completion anticipated by summer 2029.

In total, 125 homes will be constructed by Pembrokeshire County Council on the land on Old Narberth Road. A new junction and access road is also being constructed.

A spokesperson for PCC said: “Site clearance and enabling works are now underway, including ecological measures and traffic management improvements. These steps are essential to prepare for high-quality new homes for the local community.”

Providing more detail on the site clearance works, a spokesperson for Morgan Construction stated: “The existing development area consists primarily of species-poor grassland surrounded by semi-natural broad-leaved woodland, hedgerows, and scrub.

“Ecological surveys identified the presence of dormice-a rare and protected species— alongside habitats supporting bats, birds, reptiles, badgers, and hedgehogs.”

Working closely with ecologists and landscape architects, Morgan Construction on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council states it has designed robust mitigation and enhancement measures, which include planting over 500 metres of new native hedgerows and more than 280 individual trees, alongside the creation of dedicated ecological buffer zones and wildlife corridors.

“Most trees being removed are suffering from ash dieback and pose a safety risk, particularly near public paths and roads,” the spokesperson continued.

“The timing of clearance works is carefully managed under a Natural Resources Wales European Species licence to protect dormice prior to hibernation.”

Traffic management measures in place to facilitate safe working along the A478 and access roads will remain in operation until the Christmas shutdown period.

Upon Morgan Construction’s return in January, further traffic management in the format of traffic calming measures and temporary lane diversions will be introduced while works progress on forming the new site junction and upgrading the existing highway drainage infrastructure.

The duration of the junction works has been extended to accommodate the drainage upgrades, which are designed to address and mitigate historic surface water flooding issues on this stretch of road.

Temporary stop-up orders for several ‘public rights of way’ across the site have been issued by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. These closures-covering Public Footpaths SP46/6 and SP46/29 and Bridleway SP46/8— came into effect on November 3; and are necessary to ensure public safety during construction.

Alternative routes are signposted locally, and the affected paths will be reopened as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.

They added: “Morgan Construction acknowledges the community's patience and understanding during this early and sometimes disruptive phase of works.

“Completing these essential works ahead of the busy spring and summer tourist season will help ensure that the most disruptive elements of the project are finished well in advance of peak visitor periods.”