Sir, The community council of St. Mary Out Liberty were recently asked to consider an outline planning application which seeks to build 31 residential dwellings to the rear of Cross Park, New Hedges. This prompted the community council to facilitate two public meetings to discuss the impact such a development would have on the locality. Both meetings were well-attended and some very valid planning concerns were raised which have been communicated to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planning officers. However, what is also relevant is the administration by which these properties, if approved, will be sold or let. Clr. John Butland reminded council of a smaller development in the community of St. Florence where the community council successfully secured an agreement that the newly-built Pembrokeshire housing homes were allocated as a priority to local families. The St. Florence local letting scheme ensured that these homes were prioritised to families from the area of St. Florence and adjoining communities. The local connection exceeded that which is currently adopted by Pembrokeshire council in that it required applicants currently lived in the local area as their principal home for at least five years or an applicant had previously lived within the specified area for at least ten years and was returning to take up employment of at least 16 hours per week or unpaid work with one of the local emergency services. The current local connection policy run by PCC is basically an open door to those who can provide evidence of local habitation for twelve months. As a community, we should look to retain our young families. To do that, we must ensure they are given every opportunity to find a suitable home, whether it is provided by the local authority or that they are given a preferential opportunity to purchase. PCC will shortly be in a position to debate revenue opportunities provided by second homes through the council tax charge which in turn could support first time buyers. By reducing the need for young families to have to move outside of the county to find a home, we also promote the cohesion of the wider family unit which in turn provides family support close to home for the elderly, infirm or otherwise in need. I am interested to recently learn of an unconfirmed report that a housing association which operates from the West Midlands is looking to submit a planning application for a housing development in the Valley Road area of Saundersfoot. If the community council of Saundersfoot can secure a local allocations policy as demonstrated by the community of St. Florence, then this may be a welcome opportunity to those local families seeking a home for life.

Jonathan Preston, C/Clr. Penally, Gumfreston and St. Mary Out Liberty