Councillors in Saundersfoot have objected to a planning application to build a new housing development on the outskirts of the seaside village, stating that the proposed plans would be ‘dominant, overbearing and intrusive’ to residents already living within the area.

The proposed development of 70 residential units on land east of Sandy Hill Road submitted by applicants Persimmon Homes to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for consideration, will comprise a mix of 35 per cent affordable housing and 65 per cent open market provision, with the dwellings to consist of a mix of detached, semi-detached, terraces and apartments. The plans will also provide associated access, garages and parking.

In terms of access provision, the proposals are for two vehicular access points to be created off Sandy Hill Road, with the vehicular access points to comprise of simple priority junctions. Pedestrian and cycle access has also been considered in the design layout and a pedestrian path adjacent to the site entrance will facilitate ease of travel through the site.

A number of neighbouring properties objecting to the proposals have written to PCNPA raising concerns.

One neighbour asked: ‘I would ask whether there has been any assessment of the impact of increased vehicular traffic along Sandy Hill Road. As a nearby resident I can testify that the road can already get exceedingly busy and there are bottlenecks at various points which cause frequent pulling in/stopping and starting (including onto residents' drives) which is not good in terms of extra air/noise pollution, or road safety.

Another raised concerns over the infrastructure of the seaside village not being able to cope, stating: ‘The local surgery is really struggling, and it can be very difficult to get a GP appointment. Again, last thing they would be able to cope with is 70 new families!’

One resident questioned the impact such a housing development would have on the ecology and wildlife of the area; whilst another said that they were concerns that many of the properties would end up as second homes.

In giving a response to PCNPA after discussing the plans, members of Saundersfoot Community Council stated that they would like it noted that a request was made to both the planning authority and the land developers for a site visit prior to members considering the application, and on both occasions these requests were denied.

In their reasons for objecting to the application, councillors stated that the felt that the proposed plans do not preserve nor enhance the character nor appearance of the area in which the development is proposed, potentially causing an imbalance of the aesthetics of the remaining green areas which edge part of the village.

Councillors went onto list the following reasons for opposing the plans:

• The proposed plans would be dominant, overbearing and intrusive to the residents already living within the area.

• The proposed development would be accessed from an already problematic stretch of single lane road with traffic passing bays and a bus stop adding to the negative impact of safety. These passing bays, offering safe areas for larger vehicles (busses, refuge lorries and emergency vehicles) to pass will be ‘swallowed up’ within the infrastructure to the proposed site’s entrance.

• Loss of amenities to the existing residents. Loss of green space, wildlife and fauna.

• The hedgerows depicted on the plans are also depicted on the 1836’s tithe map and of historic value.

• Major concerns have been raised by the Communnity Council in the past, and continue to be ongoing, relating to vehicles speeding on the access roads to the village. Additional vehicles accessing the proposed development would add considerably to this ongoing safety problem.

• The proposed three story buildings are not within keeping of any in the surrounding area and will alter the sky-line immensely.

• Infrastructure - concerns have been raised regarding the existing sewer system and water supply. There are three major proposed developments within Saundersfoot, following the new Local Development Plan, and if all or some are successful will the existing infrastructure be able to accommodate such.

• Highways - the proposed site is accessed off a narrow, single track county road. With a proposed number of 70 dwellings with a potential of an average of two vehicles, over 140 extra vehicles, each using the narrow track road. With the increased volume of traffic at peak times of the day, travelling to and from school and work, this single track road has the potential of becoming blocked and grid locked.

• Local services: Doctors Surgery – are there places to maintain an acceptable service of care to all residents of the Ward; Schools – with potentially three major developments is the school able to offer places to all that require them?