An application to re-develop Saundersfoot’s Coal Building into a visitor centre along with shop units as part of the seaside village’s regeneration of the harbour area has been approved this week.

The application submitted by Michael Davies of Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners is for the change of use of the existing building located on Cambrian Terrace, including internal alterations and demolition of existing single storey extension (western and northern elevations) and gate hut, came before members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee on Wednesday.

The plans include the proposed extension of western elevation of building (three storeys, including roof space to height of existing building) and proposed extension of northern elevation (single storey), to provide a visitor centre, exhibition space, plus flexible commercial/exhibition/storage space.

The application will include a proposed events space plus small commercial units (fifteen); improvement works to vehicular and pedestrian access, and landscape works.

Recommending approval for the plans, PCNPA case planning officer Andrew Richards stated in his report that policy 4 of the Local Development Plan sets out to ensure developments contribute towards the protection and enhancement of the village’s special qualities and to protect and enhance the harbour.

“The plan recognises Saundersfoot as a working harbour, but also acknowledges the need for its enhancement - both in terms of physical appeal and to ensure its longevity which will require an element of adaptation,” he explained.

“The harbour is a central and integrated focus of Saundersfoot. The proposals are intended to improve the overall use of the harbour - retaining is vitality, and to sustain it into the future.

“The proposals put forward indicate that this scheme comprises phase 2 of a series of phase to redevelop Saundersfoot harbour area. The application includes a mixed use commercial building, geared towards providing community facilities for the area.

“The scheme will result in an enhanced Coal Building, helping to sustain the working harbour activities and providing enhancements to the commercial and leisure activities which will add to the vitality and viability of Saundersfoot as a whole.”

“The current design is considered to be modern and innovative, incorporating a functional form that will not be out of keeping with this area of Saundersfoot, the adjacent harbour character and theme.

“The design philosophy is to retain the character of the historic Coal Building and its architectural features.

“As such, the current design is considered to sustain and enhance the local character whilst also promoting modern and innovative design which reflects the overall ambition to develop Saundersfoot and the harbour into a destination place on the Welsh coastline.

“The proposal is considered to preserve the character and appearance of Saundersfoot Conservation Area, retaining the contrasting natures of the built-up sea front and the open area to its fore.

“The village contains a wide variety of building styles, including some typical of the 1960s and 70s. The proposal in terms of the shops and piazza is in similar ‘modern’ spirit, yet rather more respectful of its surroundings in terms of scale and use of quality materials.

“The proposed ’tulips’ (shading umbrellas within the piazza) and shop units with their undulating roofs arguably add a contemporary twist to the scheme, which is appropriate to an urban area that has seen a number of changes over the years since the closure of the collieries,” continued Mr. Richards.

A new footway will be provided alongside the access road which will give improved pedestrian safety between the highway and the harbour car park.

The proposed removal of the existing kiosk and any barrier system will also assist with road safety and vehicles entering and leaving the harbour area via the B4316 roundabout.

Two petitions, together with thirteen letters of objection have been received by the National Park authority raising concerns over - economic impact; traffic and parking; loss of green open space and public amenity area; over development of the site.

In addition, the Authority has also received several letters of support for the plans, stating that the plans will support the regeneration of the harbour area, and provide economic, aesthetic and social benefits - with seated areas providing good views of the harbour, beach and surrounding areas, and additional jobs created.

Saundersfoot Community Council offered no objections to the plans, whilst Pembrokeshire County Council’s transportation and environment section considers that there will be no encroachment onto the highway from the proposed development.

When discussing the application, although praising the recent enhancement work at the harbour, committee member Clr. Michael Williams told his colleagues that he felt that the latest plans were a step too far, citing concerns over the growing extent of the developments, a ‘flawed design’ and the loss of green space for the village.

He was on his own though in refusing the plans, with the rest of his colleagues out voting him 13-1 in favour of the proposals.

A further planning application for a Coastal Schooner Centre in the form of a ‘schooner’ boat to be situated at the harbour’s recently completed events deck area was unanimously approved at the same meeting, with developers stating the project will reinforce the maritime history of the village.