A campaign group in Tenby has stated that the building of more large housing developments could see an increase in sea sewage spills generated by such estates.

The Tenby Green Space Preservation Society has previously voiced its concerns over the proposed 144 housing development at the Brynhir site, and now has highlighted possible knock-on effects such schemes could have on the seaside town’s beaches, as well as neighbouring village Saundersfoot.

“It is becoming clear that the sewage systems in Tenby and Saundersfoot are inadequate and unable to cope with the present loads with regular sewage discharges into the sea which has resulted in Tenby North Beach losing its Blue Flag status,” stated the campaign group.

“Amongst the reasons for increases in storm overflows are the building of large housing estates, heavy rainfall and the loss of green fields to soak up the rainfall.

“With the large developments planned in close proximity to each other at Brynhir in Tenby and Sandy Hill Road in Saundersfoot putting an even greater strain on the system and the predictions of more heavy rainfall becoming normal due to climate change there will inevitably more pollution of the sea as a result.

“The likely loss of more Blue Flag beaches plus the increase in health risks are bound to have a significant impact on tourism affecting the prosperity of the area and subsequent loss of employment opportunities.

“Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority should halt planning consent on any large developments until such time as the sewage infrastructure is upgraded and in place in order to cope with what will be a large increase in sewage generated by these large estates,” they added.

Councillors in Tenby are due to meet with representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council again this month for an update on the proposed Brynhir housing development.

Towards the end of last year, members of Tenby Town Council were informed that the proposed scheme of 144 properties could be delayed, with the Local Authority admitting that the timescale of the completion of the proposed scheme may be impacted due to site plans and designs being reconsidered, with PCC housing officer Nia Davies stating that “a number of complexities” needed to be considered.

“We continue to work with our appointed consultants to bring forward a definitive design of properties for the site based on its topography and type/size of dwellings required to address the housing need of the area,” Tenby councillors were told in correspondence by Ms Davies.

Providing an update at the most recent meeting of the Town Council, the town clerk Andrew Davies told members that a meeting with PCC had been pencilled in for March 14.

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“This will be confirmed once the availability of all relevant officers had been received,” added Mr Davies.