A longstanding Narberth nursery is opposing a planning application for three new detached house in the town, stating that the proposals will threaten the setting of the playgroup.

Plans for the erection of three detached houses with amenity space, car parking, landscaping and associated works, to the rear of Llwynon, 61 St. James Street, have been submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council by agents Hayston Developments and Planning Ltd.

However, the manager of Noah’s Ark Childcare, situated on Tabernacle Lane (in the former United Reformed Church), believes that the proposals will be detrimental to her business and other premises in that location.

“As a major childcare provider in the west of Pembrokeshire and an employer of 20 the impact on the business would be devastating if this were to proceed,” said Hayley Barnett.

“The proposed development massively threatens the health and safety of my staff, children and parents attending our setting and the ongoing sustainability for all.

“We already have significant battles with access due to our centre of town location and this would only make things worse particularly during the construction period.

“The impact of new build expensive housing in the centre of Narberth in amongst Grade Two listed properties and the impact on the historical old town would be massive.

“The Town Council have stated that any further development in Narberth should go out and not up and due to the poor sewage system that needs developing in the town, any larger developments have temporarily been delayed, so this proposed development seems out of the town plan and outside current the ability of the town to manage additional properties,” she continued.

Agents for the applicant state in the planning documents submitted to PCC: “The proposal would involve the erection of up to 3 dwellings on a parcel of land to the rear of the host property, that has historically comprised garden/amenity land - but is currently overgrown and partly used for some informal car parking.

“The development site would be accessed via a private lane which leads off the western end of Tabernacle Lane close to its junction with St. James Street.

“Tabernacle Lane is a no through road and only serves a few residential properties and provides access to some farmland to the south-east.”

Anyone wishing to view and comment on the plans before the deadline of August 6, can head to Pembrokeshire County Council’s website, and view planning reference: 24/0316/PA