A planning application to upgrade one of the historic arches along Tenby harbour’s Penniless Cove Hill has led to local councillors hoping that the proposals could prompt improvements for the rest of the area.

Plans put forward by Paul Thomas, of Llandaff, Cardiff, for the provision of replacement flooring, new doors and to install damp-proof membrane, at Store 13 of the Quay Hill Cellars on Penniless Cove Hill, which came before members of the town council at their meeting on Tuesday night, were unanimously approved by councillors.

‘What a wonderful idea,” said Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas. “This is something that was discussed at a recent regeneration meeting by myself and Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, and will really enhance those arches and garages,” agreed the Mayor, Clr. Laurence Blackhall.

In recent years, a small independent coffee shop has opened up in one of the grade 2 listed arches along the hill leading down to the harbour.

“Renovation of the whole area along there would be a very good thing to do, and surely increase revenue for the harbour area,” said Clr. Will Rossiter.

“If the owners of some of the arches are tidying the places up, then maybe Pembrokeshire County Council can tidy up the ones that are owned by them too!” commented Clr. Christine Brown.

Tenby Civic Society have welcomed the plans, too, after previously expressing concern at the condition and appearance of the doors in the arches, stating that they are ‘clearly ripe’ for an upgrading project.

“We welcome this much needed upgrade to an important part of Paxtons Arches, and important listed and historic feature of Tenby Harbour,” said the civic society’s Harry Gardiner.

“We note the doorway will be replace in character, which will be a welcome improvement to the present distressed wood and breeze block upper wall,” he continued, also noting the lath and membrane improvements will involve no disturbance to the original wall and ceiling-arch stone and brickwork.

Mr. Gardiner pointed out that work could also deal with membraning the top of all the arches, with the soil above being removed and returned.

“This latter would remove the water leaks, and be within the county council’s remit, whereas the arches and their interiors are within the lessees remits,” he added.

The comments from both organisations will now be passed on to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.