A proposed housing development in a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen lengthy and ‘overwhelming’ objections from the local community council, is to be decided by officers rather than councillors after a call for it to do so failed.

In an application (Reference: 24/0928/PA) to Pembrokeshire County Council, Urban Style Homes Ltd is seeking permission for a residential development of six dwellings with associated landscaping and access on land next to The Green, High Street, St Florence.

A supporting statement through agent RPC Design & Architecture Ltd says the proposed development of five two-storey four-bed detached properties and an affordable single-storey bungalow includes a new access from High Street and associated landscaping and civil works for a private access road, with each dwelling having private off-road parking for two cars plus garage parking.

St Florence Community Council has “overwhelmingly objected” to the scheme on the grounds including it would lead to “an urbanised street-scene,” parking provision and highways, “there appears to have been little or no consideration given to the needs of local people,” and describes the designs are “repetitive and overpowering in scale”.

“This scheme is insensitive and disappointing in comparison with that granted planning permission in June 2017, where the applicant was able to design a low-density scheme, retain the majority of the hedge, grass verge and trees, with little impact on the community, the conservation area, or the common land whilst maintaining the privacy of residents,” stated members of the Community Council in their objections to PCC.

The application is due to be decided by planning officers, but, at the request of the county councillor for the ward Cllr Rhys Jordan, a call for it to be decided by councillors was brought before the County Council’s planning delegation panel meeting of February 25.

It was recommended a decision on the scheme remain delegated to officers; a report for members outlining a list of criteria where it could be decided by committee, which it said were not met.

Cllr Jordan, in his call, said local residents were “not opposed to development,” recognising “the need for sustainable growth,” but felt this scheme would “harm the character of St Florence and the conservation area,” and the danger of setting a precedent on future developments.

He said local residents felt “let down” by previous planning decisions in the area, adding: “Allowing this application to proceed without public debate would erode trust”.

Cllr Clare George supported Cllr Jordan’s call, formally moving it be decided by committee as an opportunity for “public scrutiny,” with neighbouring county councillor Phil Kidney supporting: “There’s a lot of public interest, it more than warrants a public hearing.”

However, fellow committee member Cllr Tessa Hodgson was against that call, saying she could not support it as the three criteria for members to decide the scheme had not been met.

The call for councillors to decide the scheme was defeated by four votes to two, meaning officers will decide on the scheme at a later date.