A call to amend plans for a new estate of 54 homes in Saundersfoot to allow the first of them to be occupied unhindered by plant vehicles while works continue has been backed.

Back in September 2023, the Morgan Construction (Wales) Limited and Barcud Housing Association application for the estate, which includes a mix of 19 affordable properties, on land north of Whitlow, was approved by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planners.

No objection to the plans was received by local community council Saundersfoot, other than concerns regarding the possibility of properties being sold as second homes, but several letters of objection were received, raising concerns including the potential for the new dwellings to become holiday lets, loss of privacy to neighbouring properties, loss of views, and the impact on existing property values.

The latest application sought to amend conditions which accompanied approval to improve access for new home-owners while they build the estate by extending the time allowed for a construction vehicle access route, a condition of which was it would be ‘stopped up’ when the site reached a certain size.

The applicants, in January, said the proposed main access is now in place, and four detached dwelling are “at an advanced stage of construction”.

The application stated: “Those new residents will of course be provided with uninterrupted access via the new estate road arrangements onto Narberth Road. The existing, northern access remains in place at this time and has served the scheme well in providing access for all construction vehicles,” adding: “The applicants wish to continue this arrangement, which will ensure that construction traffic and operatives do not have to use the newly formed main access and estate road, and thus potentially come into conflict with new residents.”

The amendment was conditionally approved by officers under delegated powers.