Plans to transform one of Tenby’s ice cream parlours into a bar and restaurant have been given the thumbs up by local councillors.

Members of the town council discussed the application for Feccis Ice Cream Parlour, which is situated on Tenby’s St George Street, at their meeting on Tuesday night with a view to passing on their recommendations to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The application from Mr. Doug Waters, of The Ridgeway, Penally, is for the alteration of existing shop front of the premises at ‘St George’s House’ to include a new entrance to proposed first and second floor flats; existing first floor and second floor maisonette adjusted to form a one bedroom self-contained flat at first floor and a second two bedroom self-contained flat on the second floor; internal ground floor alterations to refurbish the existing A3 usage to create a bar, restaurant and kitchen facilities.

The plans also include the demolition of the first floor rear storage building, altium roof light to ground floor and extension to form a first floor dining area for a restaurant.

Clr. Tony Brown welcomed the plans stating that the building’s frontage was in ‘desperate need of a facelift’ as it looked a bit rundown at the moment.

Councillors also heard correspondence from Tenby Civic Society who welcomed the application, but expressed reservations relating solely to the ground floor shop front element, suggesting there be amendments and further details discussed with the Planning Authority to find a design that meets the Shop Front ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance’.

The Civic Society suggested a ‘re-design’ of the folding doors replacing the existing traditional style shop window, so they have elements of the traditional design which dominates the character of the Centre in the Conservation Area, or that they retain the existing shop front window in the plans.

Clr. Mrs. Rossiter felt that the Civic Society were once again ‘contradicting’ themselves with this criticism of the planning design.

“Why do we have to take notice of what the Civic Society say, all they do is contradict themselves!” she remarked.

“They saw nothing wrong with the recent plans for the bar over the road, which is a listed building and also in the conservation area, yet they make comments like this on a premises opposite, which is done much more tastefully.

“I’m so cross with the Civic Society. All they do is meddle!” she added.

Councillors agreed to unanimously approve the application.