Developers and designers of a new scheme that will encompass the former Gatehouse Hotel site in Tenby have told local organisations and residents that they understand the importance of keeping the resort's postcard image.

Mr. Graham Fry, owner of the Royal Gatehouse Hotel, which was destroyed in a fire just over two years ago, Mr. Mike Baroth, of developers Dovey Group, and Keith and Mike Chichester, of the designers C2J Architects, were all on hand at a presentation in Church House, Upper Frog Street, last Thursday, to speak to members of Tenby Town Council, Tenby Civic Society and the Chamber of Trade and Tourism about the multi-million pound development proposals.

Members of the public were also given the chance to view the plans later in the evening.

The plans include the proposed construction of 39 apartments, a 68-bed hotel and retail development with on-site parking, amenity and new access road, on the site of the former Royal Gatehouse Hotel, and the adjoining properties at Milford House and Kent House, the Royal Playhouse Cinema and land at Clifton Rock.

Further proposals for the scheme include plans for the redevelopment of the Royal Lion Hotel in White Lion Street, and units at the Delphi Apartments in South Parade that will incorporate an element of affordable housing.

The architects say they have worked closely with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's building conservation officer, Rob Scourfield, on the project and that they are conscious of maintaining Tenby's 'postcard image' along the Norton front.

"We wanted to make sure that we preserved one of the most fantastic views in the UK overlooking the North Beach and, with the hotel itself, have tried to produce something a little bit modern, but with a design that is also faithful to elements of the architecture in Tenby itself," said architect, Mike Chichester.

Mr. Fry, along with the developers and designers, wanted to thank everyone who took the time out to attend the presentation.

"Everyone seemed happy with the explanations that the architects were able to give in answer to their questions on the scheme," he said.

The plans are due to be discussed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's development management committee soon.