While they accept the fact that Tenby needs a new slipway launched lifeboat, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park officers were still concerned over the size of it's proposed boat house, members of the Park's development control committee were told this week.
The RNLI are seeking permission to build a new £3 million slipway and boathouse on Tenby's Castle Hill to house one of the rescue charity's new generation of bigger, faster FSB2 seagoing lifeboats scheduled to replace the resort's existing Tyne class vessel, the RFA Sir Galahad.
Speaking at Wednesday's meeting of the authority, Park planning officer Mr. John Griffiths, said that the Park now accepted that the need for a slipway launched vessel in Tenby had been proven and that Castle Hill was the best location.
"However, we are still concerned over the scale of the proposed development and the positioning of two lifeboat slips.
"We are particularly concerned about the amount of space around the boat and the inclusion of certain facilities, like a crew training room, which may be better accommodated elsewhere in the town, such as Tenby Sailing Club," Mr. Griffiths added.
Mr. Griffiths said that, if approved, the new boathouse and slipway would take two years to construct, and both slips would be on site for at least 12 months.
"The issue over whether the old slipway should stay can be left until the impact of two similar structures on Castle Hill can be assessed," he said. "The two physically being there will give a far better idea that any models or photo montages."
Officers informed members that a site meeting had been arranged for July 30, which would be preceded by a special presentation in Tenby's De Valence Pavilion.