A plan to spruce up some of Tenby harbour’s Georgian arches, built by Sir William Paxton, in the hope other owners will follow suit, has been given the go-ahead.

In a listed buildings consent application to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Stephen Lowe, lead owner of group of owners of Paxton Arches, Tenby Harbour, through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect, sought permission for the alterations, repair work and installation of new timber access doors of six of the 17 arches.

The application covers arches 12, 13, 14, 15, 15A and 16 which are all at the lower level.

A supporting statement said: “All of the arches and store areas are in individual ownerships, and this application relates to an application where the individual owners of the six arches have agreed to collaborate to facilitate improvements.”

It says the arches, built by Sir William Paxton in 1813-14, and were once known as Paxton’s Promenade; the Promenade was intended as a roadway but never completed as such.

Of the application, it says: “At the moment the six archways and cellars vary considerably in their appearance. Four have timber doorways, and two are open with no doorways.

“The structural integrity of the stonework is reasonably well preserved although stained from water seepage through the original drain holes from the retained ground above. There is lots of untidy weed growth and the ‘modern’ timber doors and frames are suffering badly from general neglect.

“Some doors and archways are accessible to pigeons and they have contributed to the general feeling of neglect. The overall result is that the visual appearance is very untidy. This is a prominent harbour location with vehicular access for harbour users and for the many summer visitors who use the area adjoining the arches for access to the very popular harbour beach.”

It says the works and full height doors, using a heritage appropriate design, will be painted in different ‘heritage’ colours to reflect the varied colours of the buildings in the town and the buildings surrounding the harbour.

It went on to say: “The result of the works will be to improve the overall appearance and in so doing will have a positive effect on the harbour itself. It will hopefully encourage other cellar owners to carry out similar works to their properties.”

The scheme was supported by both Tenby Town Council and Tenby Civic Society, the latter saying: “This proposal is warmly welcomed and timely – the arches currently lack a consistent appearance and condition to match the characterful framing listed stonework. The doors vertical opening being split will aid the varied use owners make of their arches. Heritage colours will suit the location.

“The character of the listed structure, the harbour and the Conservation Area will be maintained and advanced by this proposal.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The site has an interesting history, associated with the Late Georgian upgrading of the medieval town promoted by Sir William Paxton, keen to attract visiting gentry,” and the building “of high evidential value, a relic of the redevelopment of the town as a holiday resort”.

It went on to say: “The building is largely of run-down appearance, the reinstated doors providing the ideal model for other owners to follow.”

The listed building application was conditionally approved.

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