The Port of Milford Haven's £70 million Master Plan for Milford Dock has been granted outline planning permission by Pembrokeshire County Council.

On Tuesday, embers of the council's planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the development which is set to regenerate the town by creating a vibrant new waterfront destination.

The development will feature a wide range of new attractions for visitors and locals alike, as well as creating new opportunities for the local fishing industry.

Jeff Teague, estates director for the Port of Milford Haven, has been leading the master planning process and was delighted with the decision.

"Now that outline planning has been approved, we can move forward with marketing this exciting development opportunity which will create up to 600 new jobs and generate an estimated £45 million of extra spend in the town," he ssaid. "We are already talking to a number of development agents who are interested in working with us. They will carry out extensive market testing and it is at this stage that detailed plans will begin to define and shape the specific parts of the development.

"In the meantime, work is progressing in other key areas of the destination. New buildings are emerging that will house modern, food grade units for the local fishing industry and create new opportunities for them to expand and diversify. On the marina side, the new £6m lock gates are in commissioning and final testing phase, soon to be launched in readiness for this year's boating season. We won't stand still. This investment is much needed in Milford Haven and we are committed to making it a success."

The Milford Dock Master Plan has emerged as a shared vision following extensive public and stakeholder consultation by the Port over two years.

Chief executive of the Port of Milford Haven, Alec Don, said that the decision was a significant milestone in a long-term strategy.

"Our investment in Milford Dock, and indeed Pembroke Port, is part of a wider Port strategy that seeks to diversify the business by strengthening trade in areas not connected to oil and gas," he stated. "We want to maximise the contribution these two assets make to the business and to the local economy."

Alec concluded: "This is a massive new opportunity for the town and we look forward to working with others to make this vision a reality."