Sir,
I read with interest your front page article regarding the proposal to construct a small scale development at Dewing Avenue, Manorbier, and some of the associated letters that have appeared. I would first clarify the background of the site concerned by informing you that in 2003, Mr. Cochrane, as secretary of the Tenants Association, asked Pembrokeshire County Council if it would allow the area to be turned into a Jubilee Garden, with the erection of benches and the planting of shrubs and trees on the site. The reason he gave was the area and shrubbery had become 'a weed- infested eyesore', hardly a much used recreation area. Although I was not the county councillor at the time, Pembrokeshire County Council informed Mr. Cochrane by letter that they had concerns that the proposed garden development was in an area that could be used for housing development at some time in the future and would prefer the association to consider an alternative area which would not be suitable for housing and since this time the county council have maintained the area. Mr. Cochrane also states that he has been informed that the Pembrokeshire Housing Association are going to make Skrinkle their flagship and showpiece for social housing in the Pembrokeshire National Park, with plans to develop more houses on the estate. Whilst I am sure everybody would want and expect the proper upkeep and maintenance of any property constructed on the site by the housing association, I know of no plans by Pembrokeshire Housing to construct any further properties on the estate and would be interested to find out the source and accuracy of the information. I checked with both bodies who confirmed that they were unaware of any other proposed developments on the estate. The area covered by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planning committee is very familiar to me as, apart from periods working away, I have been resident in the area all my life. The situation in respect of the availability of affordable accommodation, both rental and to buy outright, has never been as dire, both locally and nationally, as it is now. The Joint Unitary Development Plan was produced in consultation with all statutory organisations in Pembrokeshire, including Manorbier Community Council, and is restrictive in nature. Its implementation has resulted in the cost of houses and building land reaching extraordinary values, putting ownership and ability to rent outside the reach of a large section of the local population. Planning is a lawful process with check and balances in place, applications must comply with the JUDP and decisions are open to challenge in the courts. On December 11, the Welsh Assembly debated the crisis in respect of the provision of housing and urged local authorities to provide more affordable housing in Wales. My experience has always been that we in Pembrokeshire have always striven to provide a welcome to the area for new residents and provide for those among our children who wish to stay in our communities. This has been done through providing and facilitating affordable housing for those who need it and encouraged the provision of suitable work opportunities. It is accepted we have to protect the beauty of the coastal areas of Pembrokeshire, but we must maintain a practical and realistic approach. One way that all these needs can be satisfied is to continue to support small-scale developments of houses, to rent and purchase, in and around existing settlements that are in-keeping with the homes already there and cater for any particular needs. Although planning permission has now been granted on the Hounsel Avenue site, when finalised I maintain the properties should be of single storey and one-and-a-half-storey in height, similar to Skrinkle Croft cottage in design. It should also include a purpose-built property to accommodate a disabled person, a dwelling that is badly needed on the estate.
Malcolm Calver, County Councillor,
Gleann-na-Coille, Pembroke Road, Manorbier.