Plans for a well used temporary car park in Tenby to be turned into a permanent facility have been given the thumbs up this week.

The future of the Five Arches car park on land fronting South Parade had been placed in doubt after planning officers from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority recommended refusal of proposals to install the site as a permanent facility.

However, the application submitted by Mr. Giles Birt, of Lock House, St. Julian Street, for a change of use of the land for the site which was the former Tenby Ford commercial garage, was backed by members of PCNPA’s development management committee at a meeting held last month, and was officially approved by members when the matter came back before them again on Wednesday after being subject to a ‘cooling off’ period.

The plans are to include work to enable use of the entire site (including 7 Picton Road) as a permanent car park, together with works comprising - associated pay machines, electric charging points, lighting, signage and planters.

In recommending refusal of the plans, case officer Nicola Gandy explained that as the site was located within the centre of the town, proposals seeking to increase traffic in this area were contrary both to national and local planning policies, which were to reduce the need to travel and not to intensify traffic flows in already congested areas.

She stated that ‘adequate car parking was currently available in and around Tenby’, so additional car parking would result in significant underuse of existing car parking spaces out of season.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways and transportation department also objected to the plans, stating that the application had not been submitted with any evidence to prove the necessity to provide additional car parking for the town.

The car park has operated under a series of temporary planning permissions since 2011.

Applicant Mr. Birt argued at the previous meeting that the car park had significantly improved ‘traffic management in the town’, and helped to protect the town’s shopping centre both for visitors and locals alike with its position just outside the town walls.

He explained that one of the reasons that full consent had been applied for was the wish to further invest in the site, with costs of £100,000 earmarked for resurfacing and improved landscaping.

Mr. Birt went on to say that consistent use of the car park, all year round, proved the demand for the facility, and had especially benefited disabled drivers, providing them with the opportunity to park closer to the town centre.

Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, committee member, Clr. Mike Evans, who is also county councillor for Tenby’s south ward, said that the busy Easter period the resort had just experienced further proved the need for this facility.

“Trying to park in Tenby over the recent Easter holidays had proved nigh on impossible! The town’s multi-storey car park has been full to capacity on numerous occasions, leading me to push for a park and ride scheme at Whitsun,” he said.

“The Five Arches car park has benefited the disabled, elderly, those with children and business people alike, and helps alleviate congestion in the area, as it takes people parking off the streets,” continued Clr. Evans.

When put to a recorded vote, 15 members of the committee voted in favour of the application (with conditions), and one against.