Proposals to submit an outline planning application for a local housing scheme on the site at Brynhir in Tenby are set to move forward after Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet considered a report from the authority’s director of development last week.

Members of Tenby Town Council recently agreed to lodge a formal objection to proposals to exclude the land situated on Narberth Road, from the draft Local Development Plan (LDP) for 2021-31.

A development of 168 homes, combining a range of affordable housing options with local connection clauses, on the 15.7 acre land, has been touted.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, the town clerk Andrew Davies told members that the Brynhir proposals were discussed at a meeting of the cabinet in County Hall last week, and that PCC were now in a position to putting forward outline planning after deciding to withdraw the site from the open market, on the grounds that no acceptable proposals were received and that the land be appropriated for HRA purposes.

It was agreed by cabinet that the re-profiling of the HRA Capital Acquisitions budget of £2.0m between 2018/19 and 2019/20 be approved to enable the purchase of the Brynhir site to proceed, to deliver affordable housing and a residential development opportunity, and to achieve a capital receipt for surplus land.

Speaking on the matter, Clr. Laurence Blackhall told his colleagues that the decision shouldn’t pass without comment and should be ‘applauded’ as a ‘brave and bold’ move.

“Now we must make sure that we get the development right and work with the people in authority.

“This is an opportunity to create a social and affordable housing scheme for the people of Tenby, and it’s a really positive decision for the town,” added Clr. Blackhall.