ir, May I respond to your cover story 'Brickbat for Park after housing plan go-ahead' in the December 21 edition of the Tenby Observer, in particular to the footnote on Clr. Wales's comments. As your reporter pointed out, the parcel of land on which outline planning permission was granted is within the development limits of Skrinkle as set out in the current Joint Unitary Development Plan (JUDP). It is not a designated amenity or play area within the JUDP. At the development management committee meeting on November 21, community councillors, including Clr. Wales, and a young lady representing the children of the estate, addressed the committee with their objections. As a result of these representations, the development management committee made a site inspection on December 3 and members were addressed by Clr. Wales and other members of the community council and local residents, as well as the local county councillor, Clr. Calver, who spoke in favour of the development. During this visit, the committee also saw the other amenity areas and playground in the Skrinkle Estate. At the development management committee on December 17, this application was debated at length by members and, as a result, members agreed with officers' recommendations and approved the application. Contrary to Clr. Wales's reported opinion, members' gave full consideration to residents' views and they make their decisions as authority members, irrespective of whether they are appointed from the county council or the Welsh Assembly Government. There is a growing need for affordable housing in this area and National Park Authorities, like every other planning authority, must respond positively to local housing needs and comply with Welsh Assembly Government guidelines on affordable housing. Therefore, when there are no planning reasons that prevent the granting of permission - as in this case - it has to be granted. As well as its well-known conservation remit, the National Park Authority has a statutory obligation to consider the social and economic needs of local communities - which includes community housing need - and it takes these responsibilities extremely seriously. Lastly, permission was granted in outline and will have conditions imposed by the authority's planning officers in respect of layout, numbers, design, materials, landscaping and highway requirements.
Tony Brinsden, Chairman, PCNPA development management committee.