Councillors in Tenby have been given assurances that Pembrokeshire County Council will be using local contractors once work starts on the Brynhir housing development.

It is anticipated that work to build the housing development (now expected to only feature 102 council houses within the development of 135 in total) won’t begin until Spring 2025.

The controversial plans put forward by the Local Authority have received mixed views from 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’.

Discussing progress on the development at the recent meeting of Tenby Town Council, Cllr Laurence Blackhall told fellow members that a ‘good meeting’ had taken place recently with PCC’s new leader Cllr Jon Harvey, senior officers for housing and other officers.

He offered his congratulations to Cllr Harvey who had previously served as Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Delivery on becoming the new leader of PCC adding that he knows he will keep a very ‘strong interest’ in the Brynhir scheme and keeping it to time.

“PCC have been proactive in responding to issues raised. They have also looked at the character of the streets of Tenby and have reflected this in the design of the properties in Brynhir,” Cllr Blackhall told his fellow councillors.

“PCC have taken on the views expressed and are now moving on to contractors. They will be using local contractors, not big construction companies.

“They are making good progress and look to get spades in ground next year. We expressed our desire that there is a clear need to progress quickly with no more delays, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of planning first being agreed for the site.

“Pembrokeshire needs to make sure it is brought home, and their focus is on making it happen.

“It is also pleasing to see more coming on board in favour of this development, including those that previously objected. It was good to have an update and to know where we are,” he added.

Recently, following a briefing on progress, county councillor for Tenby’s North Ward Cllr Michael Williams said: “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.”