Discussions are taking place on plans to add further parts of Tenby to the ‘Conservation Area’.

Correspondence from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s conservation officer Rob Scourfield outlining the proposals came before members of Tenby Town Council at their meeting on Tuesday night, explaining that the historic core of Tenby (withe the North and South seafronts) had been a ‘Conservation Area’ since 1971, and that local planning authorities have a duty to designate and review these areas of special architectural or historic interest.

“It is considered that the existing boundary of the Tenby Conservation Area is in need of review and that the later Victorian expansion of the town is not well represented, including much of the terraced housing, the two chapels - and the cemetery area, which is a fine backdrop to the town,” explained Mr. Scourfield, stating that it was therefore proposed to extend the Conservation Area Boundary

Mr. Scourfield explained that the principal effects of Conservation Area designation are for the authority to pay special attention in carrying out duties in preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the area.

A meeting was held at the De Valence Pavilion earlier in the year where representatives from the town Council and Tenby Civic Society met with Mr. Scourfield, to discuss the review of area boundaries, with potential extensions discussed including - South Parade/Jones’ Terrace; Deer Park/Rocky Park/Greenhill Avenue/White Lion Street/Library/Post Office; Harries Street/Church Park/Queens Parade/Silent Battery; St Johns Hill/The Green; Heywood Lane, and the cemetery.

Southcliffe and the area bounded by the Esplanade, Rectory Field, Trafalgar Road and St.Florence Parade were also discussed, along with part of Warren Street and Clareston Road.

Public consultations have already started on the proposals with a presentation taking place at Augustus Place Community Centre on Tuesday; and a further public meeting to be held at the same venue on Tuesday, January 15, between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm.

“They are proposing to bring in more of the Victorian housing elements of Tenby, and areas fronting the likes of the South Parade and White Lion Street, along with areas such St John’s Hill, The Green and the Norton,” the town clerk informed councillors.

Clr. Paul Rapi said that he had no objections to the proposals but he wondered if people were fully aware in Tenby of these consultations.

“I have no objections to these plans to extend the conservation areas, as it will protect properties in the town, which is what we want - but are people who own properties in these areas proposed, fully aware of these big changes that the PCNPA are proposing, as it could effect them financially with any alterations they wished to make to buildings, due to more stringent planning policies,” he added.

With a January 25 deadline for the consultations, Clr. Laurence Blackhall said that he would like to keep the item on the agenda gong into the New Year, so if any members of the public wished to raise any issues, then they could further discuss the proposals next month.

Comments can be emailed to PCNPA by contacting Rob Scourfield at: [email protected] or Sally Tyler at: [email protected]