A comprehensive redevelopment is being planned at one of Pembrokeshire's most popular seaside resorts. But Pembrokeshire County Council have allayed fears that the proposed scheme at Saundersfoot Harbour will be detrimental to the village. Their assurance comes after the Observer received a letter from a regular holidaymaker to the area who was concerned that the harbour would lose its 'prettiness' if a marina was created. "Surely Pembrokeshire cannot afford to lose such a picturesque attraction and commodity as well as a commercial harbour to another marina development," said Mrs. J. Smith, of 2 Bellview Terrace, Exeter. "This would wipe out or reduce the trade of many businesses in the area who cater for the traditional holiday trade," she continued. "It would also outprice the small boat users, local boat owners and push out the fishermen," she added. The enhancement that is being planned, however, will include new toilets, showers, fuelling, waste disposal, electricity etc., to allow the working harbour to continue into the long term. "It is not proposed to convert the harbour into a marina with extensive pontoons, but an enhancement of the present facilities with some limited service pontoons only," a spokesman for the authority told the Observer. Also included in the project is a harbour gate, which will allow water to be impounded at all states of tide to allow use by fin keel, as well as bilge keel boats, and reduce substantially the ever-increasing silting. In addition, a short extension to the quay wall is being evaluated which will reduce the wave action in the harbour and reduce maintenance. Babtie, the retained consultants, have requested a 'Scoping Opinion' from all the consultees and it is hoped this can be arranged shortly. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has been made aware of proposals by the county council. "In respect of this, a request has been made to the authority for a 'scoping opinion'," said a Park spokesman. "A 'scoping opinion' sets out the terms of reference for an Environmental Impact Assessment which will need to accompany any planning application. "No planning application has as yet been made," added the spokesman, who said that when completed, the scoping opinion would be available for public inspection.
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