An application to refurbish and extend the first floor restaurant of a Saundersfoot pub onto a new rear decking area leading up to a garden at the premises, has been vetoed by members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's development management committee.
The application, submitted by the owners of the village's Royal Oak public house, had gained support from Saundersfoot Community Council, who had commented that the development would benefit the village and bring extra employment to the community.
However, the National Park Authority had received several letters of objection from residents neighbouring the public house, who stated that the development would cause loss of privacy and increase noise levels. Objectors also added that the rear garden had never previously been used as a beer garden, only a private one.
The authority's development management officer, Mrs. Cathy Milner, told members that there are had been some "legal arguments" as to whether or not the outside rear grass area could be classed as a beer garden.
In recommending refusal of the application, Mrs. Milner stated that the proposed use of the flat roof of the building as a sitting/restaurant area, and the garden area as a beer garden area would cause adverse harm to the amenities and privacy of adjacent properties through increased noise, smell and activity.
Mr. Nick Willis, representing the applicants, spoke to members at the meeting and wanted to make it clear that the application was not for a beer garden, but only to extend the restaurant and provide it with an outdoor decking area.
"The application is simply to upgrade the Royal Oak's restaurant facility. Access would not be able to be gained to the rear outside through the pub, but only from the restaurant," he explained.
Committee member, Clr. Michael Williams backed the recommendation for refusal.
"It would have a detrimental effect on neighbouring properties," he remarked, with his fellow members agreeing in voting against the application.