A local councillor has asked what the ‘state of play’ is on a proposed development at the former petrol station at Tenby’s Deer Park - which many locals have labelled an eyesore on one the main entrances into the seaside town.

Cllr Charles Dale recently raised the matter at a meeting of Tenby Town Council and revisited the line of enquiry at this month’s meeting of members, asking for an update on any developments.

The town clerk Andrew Davies had previously reminded members that the Deer Park site formed part of a five-phase development from the owner of the land, which included - the former Royal Gatehouse hotel; the Playhouse cinema; the Delphi along South Parade; as well as the Royal Lion Hotel.

The plans for the former petrol station site, submitted by Graham Fry and Dovey Estates Ltd back in 2009 included proposals for the construction of a residential development comprising 17 affordable apartments with on-site car parking, bin store and refuse facilities (14 x 1 bed, 3 x 2 bed), on land adjacent to Clifton Rock at Deer Park.

In recent years work has taken place to introduce the Paxton Court apartments and Premier Inn in place of the Royal Gatehouse Hotel (which was destroyed in a fire back in 2008); with the Poundland store now situated at the former cinema building; and new flats and the Domino’s Pizza premises at the Delphi site.

At this month’s meeting of the Town Council, Mr Davies told councillors that demolition of the building site for the former petrol station had already commenced and therefore a start on building had theoretically taken place.

“Under these circumstances the planning permission is still valid,” explained Mr Davies, after contacting the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Cllr Dale asked if there were any limitations as to when development could be continued and was informed that there were none.

Deer Park land
(Observer pic)