A project which will see one of Saundersfoot's landmark buildings converted into a mix of residential flats and commercial and retail shops was given the go-ahead this week. Members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's management development committee granted approval for the scheme to alter the village's Cambrian Hotel at their meeting on Wednesday. Planning permission for change of use from hotel to 16 apartments was granted by Park members in December 2004, with the hotel closing its doors last February. The ground floor bar, though, was re-opened for a short period over the summer and operated by a Llandeilo-based company. The proposal is for the conversion of the main building to provide 12 flats, three shops at ground floor level, with the retention of the bar in the basement. Demolition of existing flat roof structures to the rear and the construction of three new maisonettes will also be undertaken. Plans will also see part of the three-storey extension on the southern end of the building converted into an indoor pool and fitness suite at ground floor level, with a small area of retail space created at upper ground and first floor levels. The proposal has been designed so as to encourage pedestrian foot flow through an existing coaching arch at the front of the building, an area currently blocked up with PVCU and glass screen. It is anticipated that opening up this arch will generate pedestrian flows through the archway past shop frontages and into the courtyard area. In recommending approval, Park planning officer David Green reported: "It is felt that the proposal satisfies the authority's duty of preserving the building in its setting or any features or historic interest it possesses. "In relation to the introduction of retail uses at ground floor level, these will create vitality and interest in the street scene and the sympathetic design of the units results in a new shop front being created within the coaching arch, so as to not affect the main facade onto Cambrian Place," he added. Members approved the plans, with local member, Clr. Mrs. Rosemary Hayes, calling it "an exciting project for the village." An application seeking planning permission for further residential and commercial development at the Cambrian has yet to be determined.