The go-ahead has been given for a holiday complex at the former Chequers nightclub at Penally.

News of a successful appeal and the securing of planning permission for Mr. Rob Davies and his building was announced this week by Hayston Developments and Planning Ltd.

Pembrokeshire County Council had previously refused permission to convert the nightclub into holiday apartments, but the inspector, Mr. Gareth Rennie, decided to override this decision as the area would benefit from new holiday accommodation in a recognised tourist area.

The site previously had permission for holiday apartment development, but with the adoption of the new Local Development Plan in 2013, the county council felt this use would not be compatible with their new policies and refused to renew their decision, and most disconcertingly for the appellant, they felt that the former use of the building as a nightclub had been totally abandoned.

However, Mr. Rennie agreed with Hayston's argument at the planning hearing that the current use was active as a boxing club and public house was likely to start operating again soon, therefore the building had not been abandoned and had an entertainment use.

A presentation was also made to show how the other reasons for refusal were overcome and that the reuse of this building for a quality holiday complex would be a significant improvement to both the appearance of the building and regeneration of the area.

The applicant, Mr. Rob Davies, said: "I am delighted with the successful appeal and hope this will still allow a quality investment into the redevelopment of Chequers to the benefit of Pembrokeshire tourism."

In his report, the planning inspector said "[the holiday units are] suited to this rural location, would make a positive contribution to the local economy, and would help prevent the further deterioration of the appeal building."

Managing director of Hayston, Andrew Vaughan-Harries, said of the decision: "We are thrilled to have won this appeal, and pleased that Mr. Davies will now be able to develop this site into something far more attractive and useful to both local residents and visiting tourists."