Tenby's proposed new lifeboat station should make a "big statement" and not be "disguised to blend in with Castle Hill," it was claimed this week.

The controversial RNLI scheme to build a new lifeboat station on Castle Hill to house the resort's new FSB2 lifeboat has been deferred by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park development control committee to discuss an 'alternative design' and is due to be considered again on September 12.

However, at Tenby Town Council's meeting on Tuesday night, Clr. Mickey Folland expressed his concern that the Park planners "did not seem to be listening to the views expressed" during a meeting between themselves, the town council and the RNLI.

"The National Park seem concerned about the size of this building," he said. "Yes, the proposed lifeboat station is big, but so too was the Royal Victoria Pier. In fact, it was huge.

"The proposed lifeboat station is designed to be functional and there is not an inch of spare, useless space.

"Everything included in the design is there for a purpose and I was concerned to think that the National Park were trying to get the classroom facilities located elsewhere in the town. Surely it is better to be located where the crew can gain a 'hands-on' training experience.

"A hundred years ago, I'm sure the same views were expressed about the existing lifeboat station, but that is now a listed building.

"I would hate to be going down the road of having something that is not as functional as the RNLI would wish it to be. I wish the National Park had the sense to listen to what was being said at the meeting between them, ourselves and the RNLI.

"All the facilities in the design need to be there; the structure is satisfactory and it is in a suitable location."

The Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, agreed that everything proposed for the lifeboat station was needed, but felt that the outward design needed to make "a big statement."

"This building is likely to be around for 100 years so, if it is going to be sited on Castle Hill, let it make a big statement, and not be disguised to blend in.

"I'm sure an architect could come up with a better design, perhaps by making it all glass.

"I agree it is not practicable to make it smaller, the lifeboat crew need and deserve the very best, let's make the boathouse look startling, not like a cattle shed.

"Let's keep everything the RNLI want inside, but let's redesign the casing."