Developers interested in the Brynhir site in Tenby are set to meet with Pembrokeshire County Council’s property department this month to outline their housing proposals.

Members of Tenby Town Council recently met with the county council’s head of property, Barry Cooke, and strategic property manager, Helen Mcleod-Baikie, along with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planning officer, Sarah Middleton, to discuss the development of the site, situated off Narberth Road.

At the meeting, Mr. Cooke explained that he was surprised that Brynhir had not been sold earlier as it had been part of the Local Development Plan for 30-plus years.

It was noted that it was the resolution of the town council to give their backing to the development, although councillors had stated that they did not support the 50 per cent affordable housing requirement as they felt it was too high to be workable, and may deter developers.

Ms Middleton explained that the affordable aspect of every development was, and always had been, negotiable when a viability case was presented. However, it was always preferred for the affordable aspect to be sited within the development rather than at a separate location.

Town councillors requested some form of covenant be looked at on the site to ensure the properties were predominantly for locals rather than providing homes for people out of the area or as second homes.

It was also asked if people who had expressed concerns over the use of the land would be given a hearing by the authorities before anything conclusive was done.

PCC’s strategic property manager, Mrs. McLeod-Baikie, commented that she had communicated with people who had expressed concern and opposition to the development process, and pointed out that the land was actually tenanted and anyone using it for recreational purposes needed to be aware that they were actually trespassing.

The town council felt that answers were required to their questions now so that the best option could be achieved for the people of Tenby, when it came to developing the land.

Councillors asked, as part of the vision they aimed to set out for the development, for the following to be included - an achievable level of affordable housing to be secured; that two, three and four bedroom affordable and low cost houses are needed; that consideration be given to the use of local tradesmen on the development; the development as it stands to provide 168 properties in Tenby.

It was concluded that the next stage in the process was for PCC to meet with the five developers who had forwarded expressions of interest.

Discussing the matter further at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter said that it was helpful that the officers from PCC and PCNPA had come down to explain the next stage and keep everyone in the picture.

Clr. Mike Evans understood the frustration of those who wanted to keep the land as a green space, but he felt that the town needed to grow.

“You cannot grow unless you build,” he told his colleagues, with Clr. Laurence Blackhall agreeing.

“It’s not our land and it’s not the people’s land, it’s Pembrokeshire County Council’s, so the development is going to happen eventually,” he stated.

Councillors requested that PCC’s head of property keep them informed of any discussions with developers.