It is anticipated that work to build the Brynhir housing development for Tenby won’t begin until Spring 2025.

The controversial plans put forward by Pembrokeshire County Council have received mixed views from those in the community, with some stating that the development will help alleviate the local housing crisis; whilst others believe that the scheme will destroy the seaside town’s last ‘green space’.

It is now expected that only 102 council houses will be built within the development of 135 in total.

County councillors have been given a briefing and an update on progress on the proposals, and told that it is now anticipated that construction will commence on site in the Spring of 2025, with a phased completion of sections of the site to enable occupation throughout the period until Summer 2027.

Back in 2020, when the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee approved an application for the plans, County councillor for Tenby’s North ward, Clr. Michael Williams reminded members about the need to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the National Park.

“The impact is absolutely staggering on the boundary and skyline of Tenby. This development will be very prominent on the highest part of Tenby, it will be a blot on the landscape,” he stated at the time.

At the briefing, Cllr Williams continued to raised concerns over certain aspects of the planning application.

“The new timescale does show a later commencement that initially hoped for, but I stressed the importance of getting it right, as this is an iconic site, and when you understand what has been lost from the landscape, it deserves special care and consideration,” he said.

“The southern boundary landscape is to be enhanced to reduce the visible impact; and I’ve suggested changes to the fenestration on two storey dwellings to better reflect the vernacular of the area.”

Cllr Williams also stressed that emergency vehicular access to be created must be closed off at all times with locked bollards, except when vehicles require access.

“I’ve also raised concerns again regarding the proposal by Dwr Cymru to take foul water south via the existing system, when initially it was proposed that the waste would be piped North to the pumping station on Narberth Road.

“Dwr Cymru have given assurances, again, that the current system has sufficient capacity to cope with the new estate. I still have concerns regarding the existing capacity,” he added.