We are writing on behalf of the concerned residents who live in the vicinity of the proposed development at The Royal Oak in Saundersfoot.

The application has two elements to it, one being the part demolition and redevelopment of the existing Royal Oak public house and the other being the construction of five apartments to the rear of the redeveloped Royal Oak.

The Royal Oak is one of the older buildings in the heart of the village and is integral to the conservation area within which it sits.

Conservation areas are more than the sum of its constituent parts and any significant changes to an individual building has an impact on the whole.

We consider the part demolition of the Royal Oak and the addition of a wrap round first floor terrace to be detrimental to the character of the conservation area.

We consider that an overlooking issue would also be created for the residents opposite along with increased level of noise.

The proposed new development to the rear of The Royal Oak is on an elevated site where the base of the so called ‘lower ground floor’ apartments are actually at a similar level to the existing first floor level of The Royal Oak.

The proposed ‘ground floor’ level apartments are at a similar height to the existing ridge of The Royal Oak and there is yet another floor above this.

This adds up to a very dominant, overbearing and intrusive development in the heart of the conservation area with scant regard for the neighbouring properties.

The conservation area is predominantly 19th century development built up around the Village’ industrial heritage and this proposed development is incongruous to say the least.

This proposed development will through its vertical extent be very overbearing upon the properties in the High Street and Wogan Terrace some of which have ground floor levels some three stories below it in close proximity and will significantly limit their right to light.

We consider this proposal to be an ill-conceived backland over development of a prominent site within the conservation area that will have a detrimental effect on its neighbouring properties, the wider street scene and local community.

The full set of plans can be viewed on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority website using the application reference: NP/22/0359/FUL.

The site location plans are misleading by not showing the scale of the development against existing buildings and the artist impressions depicting a development seemingly in open countryside with rolling hills and a distant estuary setting.

Therefore giving, the illusion that neighbouring properties are not affected by reduction in light and amenity by this development.

Concerned members of the community have the opportunity to comment on this application by visiting the Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks Authority website.

Yours sincerely

Concerned residents of the High Street and Wogan Terrace.