Plans to build 29 residential dwellings on land to the rear of Knowling Mead in Tenby have given local councillors cause for concern due to access issues.

A pre-planning application put forward by Cardiff-based planning and development consultancy firm Asbri Planning for the demolition of the former Reeves Calendars and Five Arches Press buildings, which would see the redevelopment of the site for a mix of 29 homes, together with associated landscape and infrastructure works, came before members of Tenby Town Council at their meeting on Tuesday night.

The housing scheme (being put forward on behalf of Jones Brothers ‘Henllan’ Ltd, Crosshands) comprises of one four-bed house, 14 two-bed houses, two three-bed houses, two one-bed bungalows, eight one-bed flats and a two-bed disabled bungalow, and is said by the developers to provide ‘much-needed housing on unallocated white land within the settlement boundary’ that would ‘enhance’ the character of the area’s existing buildings.

Despite the planners stating that, as the roads were previously used by large vehicles associated with the printing facilities, the access arrangement is ‘well-established’ - speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting, Clr. Tony Brown, who said that he lived on the outskirts of the proposed site, told his fellow members that he had ‘major concerns’ over access issues to area.

“The access going into Knowling Mead is very narrow, and a development like this is going to take around 18 months to two years I would suggest, with all the demolition and construction, so I don’t know how all the JCBs and trucks, especially with all that dirt, are going to affect people’s houses - as at any given time, there can be anything from around 30 to 60 cars parked along there at a minimum!” he explained.

“There is also the health and safety aspect to consider with young children in and out of the estate, it would be very dangerous.

“I’m all in favour of more homes going up, but the access area to that site is way too small for all those properties, and it will affect those people living there big time,” added Clr. Brown.

Clr. Trevor Hallett agreed and said that all those vehicles coming out of the single access road, could create a ‘deathtrap’, whilst he also raised concerns about emergency services, such as fire engines, being able to access the site.

The Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, told her colleagues that she too had ‘huge concerns’ over the access issues.

“There are times on that street when no cars can pass, as the whole street can be chock-a-block. Very rarely is there a time when there aren’t cars parked there on the road,” she stated.

Clr. Laurence Blackhall enquired if the developers were in discussions with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on a Section 106 affordable housing agreement.

“As this is just a pre-planning application notice at the moment, we can enter our concerns for the National Parks to consider, and also ask them as to what discussions have taken place on any affordable housing element,” he said.

The planning documents are available online at www.asbriplanning.co.uk with public comments and representations being welcomed by December 11, before a planning application is submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.