Councillors in Tenby have strongly supported proposals by the owners of a temporary car park on the edge of the town who wish to renew consent for the facility.

Correspondence was received at Tuesday night's meeting of the town council from Giles Birt, of Birt and Company, who had submitted an application to Pembrokeshire County Council and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for renewal of temporary permission for the use of the land at the former Tenby Ford Garage in South Parade.

In his letter, Mr. Birt explained that both authorities were recommending refusal of the application, which was due to go before the National Park's development management committee before the end of the year.

"I feel this would be a travesty for the town, as I receive nothing but positive comments about how beneficial the car park is to visitors, traders and locals alike," wrote Mr. Birt.

In his recommendation for refusal, highways development control officer for the county council, Stephen Benger, states that the application, if approved, would result in "additional traffic being brought into the town centre location where traffic management is already considered an issue" and that adequate parking was currently available in and around Tenby.

"The site has previously had the benefit of a three-year temporary consent and this was supported on the understanding that a more meaningful development for the site was sought over that time and income would cover the cost of demolition of the old structures," the report adds

"This proposal is generally considered undesirable in transport terms and does little to serve the town or its traffic management. There does not appear to be any justification for a further extension of the temporary permission."

National Park planning officer, Sarah Middleton, has also recommended refusal, her report stating: "The site is located within the centre of the town and proposals which seek to increase traffic in this area are contrary both to national and local planning policies, which are to reduce the need to travel and not to intensify traffic flows in already congested areas. Tenby is also well-served by public transport which should be given priority."

Discussing the matter, councillors were in agreement to support the application.

"The Five Arches Car Park is an asset to the town, it is full every day over the holiday season and we don't want to lose it. It takes the traffic away from the town centre and does not cause any congestion," remarked Clr. Trevor Hallett.

Clr. Lawrence Blackhall agreed, remarking: "It is an important car park that is helping the town centre, as it is one of the most accessible, especially for families and elderly people. The idea that it causes redundant spaces in the town, is simply not correct.

"The car park is also now used for the Ironman Wales expo and it is critical for that event as it proved in September," he added.

"It is definitely an asset to the town and safeguards employment. Just ask the guest house owners nearby," commented Clr. Mike Evans.

"With the park and ride facility funding cut, the town needs more car parking facilities, not less.

"It has helped keep the traffic out of the historic town centre and the operators should be applauded for what they've done there.

"The owners are mindful that the site is not going to be developed over the next five years and that is why they are applying for a temporary renewal only. Surely the county council and National Parks don't want a vacant site with weeds growing on it!" continued Clr. Evans, who suggested that the town council write to the county council's director of transportation, Ian Westley, strongly supporting the facility and its benefits to Tenby.