Concerns over foul water disposal using the existing sewerage system at the proposed Brynhir housing development for Tenby have been highlighted again.

Last month, Pembrokeshire County Council stated that it was pleased to confirm the award of a ‘pre-construction service agreement’ for the housing development, with Morgan Construction of Carmarthen appointed following the evaluation of a two-stage tender.

Work is due to begin to construct 125 homes at the site this summer. This will be subject to discharging planning conditions, consideration to ecology periods and minimising disruption during the height of the tourist season.

These homes will range in size and consist of 93 affordable housing (social and intermediate rent), 16 shared ownership, and 16 open market sale.

It is expected that the development will be completed in 2029.

However, in correspondence sent to PCC’s Head of Housing & Public Protection Gaynor Toft, county councillor for Tenby’s north ward has reiterated once again, concerns over whether the current sewerage system will be able to cope.

“When the application first came before PCNPA I spoke and voted against the application as I had a number of concerns regarding the proposal. Amongst these were, storm water run off, vehicular access in particular for emergency vehicles, and landscape issues,” stated Cllr Williams.

“I am pleased to note that these particular concerns appear to have been addressed, but one still appears to be outstanding, the situation regarding foul water disposal by using the existing sewerage system.

“There was a suggestion in the early days of the discussions that a new sewer pipe could be constructed going North West from the Brynhir site to link up with the existing system South of New Hedges.

“I was hoping that this proposal would be pursued as it removed concerns that the existing system might not cope. it appears that this proposal has now been discounted,” he continued.

Cllr Williams specified that his concerns are based on the capacity of the existing system which runs through Upper Hill Park, south servicing the estate plus Lady Park, Seascape and Southlands - a system that he believes was designed some 50 to 60 years ago, long before there was any realistic anticipation that up to 140 properties would be developed at Brynhir.

“A number of residents have expressed a concern that the current system will not be able to adequately cope with such an increase in use, given that some have a perception that currently the system does occasionally overflow. I share these concerns,” remarked Cllr Williams.

“Can I receive a categorical assurance that a full assessment of the existing capacity to cope with such an increase has been carried out by Dŵr Cymru, and I am afraid given the low level of public confidence in this company, any report produced by them has been critically examined by an independent suitably qualified body?

“Given the critical lack of public housing in Tenby, this development is welcome, but given the somewhat cavalier welcome given by Tenby Town Council and taking into account the difficult topography, the aesthetic impact of the site and the impact on the surrounding area it is of huge importance that great care is exercised in bringing this development to a successful conclusion, and it would appear that the one outstanding matter is the foul water system,” he added.

Tenby Town Council who have backed the development, are due to give a progress update on the scheme at their meeting to be held this evening (January 14).