A call to convert Pembroke Dock Town town centre office space which had a “low likelihood” of “finding another viable commercial use” to a home has been given the go-ahead.

At the September 8 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, members were recommended to approve an application by Pembroke Design Ltd for a change of use of an office to a dwelling at Wesley House, 16 Meyrick Street.

The application was before the committee rather than being decided by officers as it was recommended for approval despite being contrary to a policy of the development plan.

The site is located within the Pembroke Dock Conservation Area next to the Grade-II*-listed Zion Free Church, described as ‘a 1846-8 Wesleyan Chapel, now Zion Free Church.

An officer report said: “The council’s retail survey (September 2023) for town centres indicates a vacancy rate of 19 per cent for A1, A2 and A3 use class units for Pembroke Dock. This is considerably above the UK national vacancy rate (13.9 per cent in 2023) and Wales’ vacancy rate (16.9 per cent in 2023) and increases the likelihood of long-term vacant commercial premises with the town centre.

“The vacancy rate is considered to be a significant material consideration as it provides evidence of the low likelihood of the premises finding another viable commercial use. The property is currently on the market, but has generated no serious interest for commercial use from potential buyers.

“The application is supported by a letter from the applicant’s estate agents, West Wales Properties, which confirms the extremely low demand for commercial properties within Pembroke Dock and explains that any developers that may consider the property would be seeking to convert it to residential use.

“The environmental benefit of the change of use of this property for residential use is a further reason in support of the proposal as it would contribute towards the viability and vitality of the town centre.”

Moving approval, Pembroke Dock county councillor Tony Wilcox said, unlike his late fellow Pembroke Dock councillor Brian Hall, he was unable to provide a “potted history” of the building but was supportive of the proposal which would “encourage footfall into the town centres”.

Committee chair Cllr Mark Carter said he was supportive of the proposal, stating: “The only way we’re ever going to regenerate these smaller towns is by people living there.”

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Members unanimously approved the change of use.