Plans to transform a number of boarded-up buildings near Pembroke Castle, which have been vacant for a significant period of time, look set to get the thumbs up.

An application has been submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council by WJG Investments Limited, seeking full planning permission for the creation of five ground floor retail units, 13 flats (seven one bed and six two bed units) and three houses (all one bed units).

The plans are being recommended for approval in a report by the council's director of development, Dr. Steven Jones, which is due to be discussed by the authority's planning and rights of way committee on Tuesday.

The application site comprises three buildings located in Castle Terrace and a further two in North Gate Street.

The buildings in Castle Terrace are located a short distance to the east of Pembroke Castle and comprise a two-storey building and two three-storey buildings which are directly behind the pedestrian footway.

The buildings in North Gate Street comprise a two-storey and a three-storey building.

Whilst for the most part proposing the conversion of the existing structures, the scheme also includes the provision of an additional storey of accommodation over 6 Castle Terrace and the creation of a new area of public space along North Gate Street.

All buildings within the application site have been subject to a number of previous applications which have comprised changes of use. The former uses of the buildings include a hotel, ex-serviceman's club, doctor's surgery and rifle range.

"It is considered that the proposal includes an acceptable mix of retail and residential development," says Dr. Jones in his report.

"The refurbishment of the buildings would result in a number of 'listed buildings' being brought back into beneficial use to the benefit of the conservation area and the commercial centre," he adds.