A local councillor has said that he hopes that those both for and against the Brynhir housing proposals in Tenby can have a ‘considered’ debate on the scheme when full plans are submitted, based on facts and not ‘tittle-tattle’.

Councillors have stated that the outline planning application consisting of 145 new homes to be built on the 15 acre site at Brynhir will be a ‘significant development’ for Tenby, providing much need affordable housing for the area.

The scheme which has been drawn up by RLH Architectural Solutions, with The Urbanists (who are acting as planning consultants on the scheme and are responsible for managing and submitting the proposed planning application) comprises of a mix of bungalows, two storey semi-detached properties, executive houses, one and two-bedroomed flats and three-storey flat buildings, with 102 of the units designated as social housing, 34 for the open market and nine under a shared ownership scheme.

Pembrokeshire County Council have now submitted an outline planning application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for the scheme (which is available to view online) following the pre-planning consultations.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of Tenby town council, Clr. Laurence Blackhall told his colleagues that the proposed development of Brynhir was an ‘emotive and complex’ issue.

“I understand that, and I understand the questions it generates. People have legitimate concerns. It may be about the environment, because their property overlooks the site, or because they walk there, or because they are concerned about capacity for local services,” he said.

“Equally, there are local people who want to spend their lives living in Tenby and not necessarily having to live with their parents into their 30s and 40s, and not to be marginalised and forced to move away because of economic circumstances and the lack of available housing that they can afford, whether they are renting or buying.

“So of course, it is legitimate that we debate those issues and express our considered opinions, but can I make a plea that we do that and have a civil debate (I for one have already apologised where my own remarks were ‘glib’) and have an honest and open discussion, based on fact and not fiction, one based on truths and not tittle-tattle.

“And one based on an acceptance that we all care about this town, no matter what our views on this issue, and that we don’t have to resort to personal abuse or unpleasantness.

“I want to encourage discussion, I want to encourage dialogue, but most of all I want to encourage people to look at the information that is available,” continued Clr. Blackhall.

For that reason Clr. Blackhall said he would like to outline and make clear certain facts on the proposed development to be sure that people understand both his own position and the stated policy of the town council

“In doing so, I would like to respond to some of the comments, opinions and suggestions that have been expressed on social media and elsewhere, not to be personal, but just to deal with issues raised.

“Firstly, there was a time that the fields on Brynhir were adjacent to other open fields - I refer to Upper Hill Park and Lady Park, and when those areas of open space were developed it was because there was a recognition that there was a need for more housing in Tenby.

“It was also clear at the time that Brynhir would be Phase 2 of that development. That is why it has been in plans for all this time. This is no new proposal.

“It was suggested that Pembrokeshire county council had no developer interested in the site. That is incorrect and they were in negotiations with a preferred developer.

“PCC withdrew the land from public sale. They did so, in order that they could control the development and ensure that it genuinely delivered local housing for local people.

“I understand, and agree that where possible, property should be acquired in the town centre. But we have to be realistic about prices - how many properties within the town walls can be acquired for £4m - certainly not with 100 units, and anywhere near the 70 pet cent of the Brynhir development that is guaranteed to be council housing. Not a ‘right to buy’ - but council housing for ever.

“I also have to say the most basic economic theory and reality is that you do not reduce prices by reducing the supply of available property. Quite the opposite, you push prices up and make it even more unattainable for local people.

“That is not to say that the idea should not be pursued, it should, and we need to find ways of getting more people living permanently in our town centre”

Clr. Blackhall stated that confirmation had already been given that existing drainage and sewage systems are able to accommodate the development at Brynhir.

He once again praised the fact that the development plans would offer - an urban park with a 10 metre buffer zone between housing and green space; a changed entrance to accommodate areas of special interest; 70 per cent (over 100 units) of council housing; self build opportunities and housing for open market.

He also pointed to exciting new proposals for a local Health Hub that will improve services and increase capacity; the existing capacity in Tenby’s schools and the fact that more students would improve the position of Greenhill and its Sixth Form.

“The reality is that 17 per cent of the property in Tenby is now second homes,” he continued.

“That has reduced the available housing stock and has pushed prices up, and that is without dealing with the amount of properties that are exclusively for holiday lets. Therefore, there is a shortage of housing for local people. In addition, the former right to buy scheme has depleted council housing stock.

Discussing the allocation criteria for local housing, Clr. Blackhall said it needed to be clear what criteria was based on, and that you have to be - registered with Pembrokeshire Housing; have lived in the area for at least two years; previously lived in the area for at least five years, or have family who have lived in the area for at least five years; have children in a local school; have worked in the area for at least a year (including unpaid work, or for the emergency services, coastguard etc).

“This is very much a case of local homes for local people, and these are the facts about Brynhir, so let us discuss them, and talk to your councillors and in particular your county councillors.

“Ask them their views and tell them your views, and as we reach further proposals going forward, maybe everyone will be able to give their views - I hope so, in favour or against, but we can’t be all things to all people on such a complex issue,” he added.

Clr. Mike Evans said that people were able to put their names forward now for the local housing list that would include the Brynhir development.

“The amount of demand in this area for local housing is aleady huge - so add yourself to the list and show PCC that the need is there,” he added.