A pre-application consultation on proposals to demolish the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel and build a residential development has begun.

The firm Evans Banks Planning has been instructed by Hawkfire Developments Limited in preparing an application for outline planning permission on land on Essex Road, Pembroke Dock - the site of the former hotel which has remained in a semi-derelict state as a result of a significant fire in March 2019.

A residential development comprising a cul-de-sac scheme is indicatively proposed but also with detached and semi-detached bungalows and houses fronting Essex Road to mirror the established development form off the opposite, southern flank of the road.

A mix of two and three-storey detached and semi-detached houses fronting the estate road would prevail, with predominately detached bungalows along the Essex Road frontage at a higher ground level.

Councillor Joshua Beynon announced this week that after speaking to residents around the town and near the former hotel site, that he has sent a letter into the planning agents regarding the planning application for a 25 house estate on the site.

“Residents feel this is too many houses and would leave the site compacted with parking problems that would overspill onto Essex Road,” states the letter.

“This could also affect the air quality and impact on noise pollution around the residential area.”

“Whilst a new hotel on the existing site would be welcome, residents in the main accept the need for housing but a more suitable number of around 15 Bungalows would be more appropriate,” the letter continues.

“This needs to be coupled in with a strong element of affordability to ensure that local people are not priced out of buying these homes.”

Speaking on behalf of residents, the Pembroke Dock councillor further stated that the site demolition is well overdue as it is an eyesore that attracts anti-social behaviour.

He has also urged the planners to preserve the historic path between Connaught Way and Pembroke Ferry, alongside enhancements to the biodiversity.

Responses to the consultation can be made via email to: [email protected] or in writing to Evans Banks Planning Ltd, 2 Llandeilo Road, Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, SA14 6NA.

If you are unable to access these documents electronically, they are also available to view at Pembroke Dock Library on Water Street.