Narberth’s former primary school could soon be demolished to make way for a temporary car park.

At a meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet on Monday, the proposal was agreed when an update on the redevelopment of the controversial site was given in a private and confidential session.

As reported previously, the development was dealt a devastating blow when Sainsbury’s pulled out of its deal to open a store at the site.

Discussed behind closed doors, the only information the Observer is privy to is the record of the cabinet’s decision which was reported at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council.

That states the decision is based on the following:

a) That the position in relation to the delivery of the mixed retail and residential scheme on the old school site, Narberth be noted; and continued support to the preferred developer, Abbeymore Estates/Knox and Wells Ltd., in bringing the scheme to fruition, be confirmed; but that this support and the contract be withdrawn if the developers fail to secure the tenants and commence the scheme by December 31, 2016.

b) That a revised offer from Abbeymore Estates/Knox and Wells Ltd., as set out in the report of the director of development, be accepted, in keeping with the independent valuation advice from the Valuation Office.

c) That a loan be made available to Abbeymore Estates/Knox and Wells Ltd., as set out in the report of the Director of Development, under the well-being power contained in section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 for the promotion or improvement of the economic well-being of Narberth by facilitating the delivery of the regeneration of the former Narberth school site; and that the chief finance officer and director of development be authorised to negotiate and agree terms to facilitate the loan.

d) That consideration be given to demolishing the former school building and utilising the site as a temporary car park.

Reason for decision: To facilitate the delivery of the important town centre regeneration scheme at the former Narberth school site.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, Pembrokeshire County Council representative Elwyn Morse said: “There is movement, but it’s slow going, but that’s where we are at the moment, with council liaison officer Barry Cooke adding: “We are investigating demolishing the building to ensure use of the site going forward by creating a temporary parking surface.”

Mr. Cooke, who is the authority’s head of property, also stated that a ‘new principal tenant was lined up.’