Plans to turn a former joke and fancy-dress shop in Tenby to office space for an estate agent have been given the go-ahead, despite concerns raised by Tenby Civic Society members.

In an application to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Giles Birt of Birt and Co, through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect, sought permission for a change of the of the former Griggles shop, Ventnor House, Warren Street, Tenby to office use.

The application included a new first floor office space, replacement windows and shopfront, and repairs to fabric.

Griggles, a joke and fancy-dress Mecca in the town for decades, closed back in 2019 when its owner Roland Grigg retired after running the shop since 1970.

Tenby Town Council supported the change of use proposal, but Tenby Civic Society had raised concerns that timber windows would be preferable within the conservation area, and asking for a potential restriction of working hours to protect residential amenity, and also raising concerns about a potential increase in parking issues.

After amended plans were produced, the Civic Society said: “The additional detail to front shop windows and reduction to first floor rear extension are welcome. The latter is still somewhat dominant to the two adjoining properties amenity; careful site inspection is needed and may well have produced this amendment.

“We remain enthusiasts for wooden windows here particularly for the characterful front elevation, including the upper floor. We note however that these upper floor dormers are not suited to sash format, and are common to other adjoining properties. Detail changes fit character and location and are welcome.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “Further to [an] objection received in terms of potential loss of privacy and light, revised plans have been received. The existing ground floor has been set back some 500mm from the southern boundary with Fern Cottage and conventional windows and a door substituted for the former patio windows.

“At first floor level, the proposed full-width extension has been set back by some 2.2 metres and a single window set off-centre to the west to avoid overlooking the rear windows and garden of Fern Cottage.

“The resultant stepped elevation is not regarded as overbearing and the exposed flat roof at first floor level is to be accessed only for maintenance so as to avoid potential for loss of amenity for neighbours.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.

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