Sir, I am writing in incredulity and on behalf of worried Pembroke residents who have heard reports that the town walls and burgage (garden) plots of Pembroke are under threat from development. We understand that there are plans to breach the outer walls (not all of which may be listed) and amalgamate the burgage plots by removing internal walls prior to applications for developments. Pembroke's character, and the pattern of its walls and internal gardens, has largely remained undisturbed since the middle ages. Even the sea caves are still visible within some of the burgage plots from the time Pembroke was surrounded by water and boats came up to the town walls. Even if every section of the town wall is not original, the imprint of the middle ages still remains. This is what makes Pembroke so important. The planning authority has a duty to respect the character of the town and the 'setting' of its walls. We look to them and the Welsh Assembly Government to insist that no further breaches or widening of existing entrances in the town walls occur, and that the burgage plots which form the long narrow gardens remain free of development. The new re-developments facilitated by the county council between the Castle and the Dark Lane and on the old petrol station site at the East End should also respect this heritage.
Mary Sinclair, Chairman, Pembrokeshire branch of CPRW,
Thomas Chapel House, Thomas Chapel, Begelly.