A planning application has been submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for a retrospective ‘change of use’ to a former stables block situated on a ‘medieval lane’ in Tenby.

Full and listed building plans submitted by Mike Evans of the Harbwr Brewery to PCNPA are for a change of use of parts of the Grade II listed stables building and stable yard on Sergeants Lane, to A3 use for the sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises.

The retrospective plans also include alterations to roofs, and some changes to fenestration, windows and openings, and addition of roof lights.

Sergeant’s Lane is a narrow, medieval lane which links the north side of St Julian’s Street down to the south side of Bridge Street, and according to the planning consent documents, for many years the buildings located on the lane have been left unmaintained and falling into general dilapidation and disrepair, and rented out as storage spaces.

It is believed that the stables, and some of the other buildings on the eastern side were originally constructed as workers housing, possibly fishermen’s cottages, before being converted into stabling.

Up until the late 1990s many of the buildings were incorporated as warehousing and stores for Hermann Thomas and Co Plumbers.

With much of the yard buildings used as storage, the stables were actually still in use up until a few yers ago, running horse drawn carriage rides around the seaside town.

Over the last few years with local businesses utilising some of the buildings as shops and workshops, and with the bar and shop of the Harbwr Brewery which was established in 2015, sitting alongside - as a result the lane has experienced somewhat of a revival and become a ‘unique attraction’ for holiday visitors.

In the application documents submitted to PCNPA, architect David Morgan explained: “I am aware of the listed status of the buildings, the importance of their setting and their historical importance to the town. My priority is to retain the integrity of the building in all respects and I will share that priority with the builders and craftsmen who will be involved in carrying out the proposed works.

“The design of new structural elements and all new components, windows, doors, partitions and stairs etc will pay full respect to the original components etc and will be replicated using traditional construction details where possible.”

“The stables and the external yard have been rented by Harbwr Brewery and they have opened up the ground floor of some of the stable building and the external stable yard for use of the public as a seating area in the spirit of ‘cafe culture’.

“This change of use of the buildings and yard requires planning approval and is the subject of this retrospective application.

“The listed building application is to cover repair and structural works to the roof and roof coverings and some alteration to dilapidated fenestration. The works are necessary and fairly urgent in order to maintain the structural integrity of the buildings and to make the buildings safe,” he continued.

“The new proposals will have a hugely positive impact on the building and its surroundings. They will prevent further deterioration and degradation of the existing building structure and fabric.

“They will restore much of the original original features and fenestration and which in turn reflect the original use of the building.

“The changes proposed would allow the building to reflect its original function and use, and it will sit comfortably in the lane which, together with other improvements and refurbishments which going on are creating a much talked about and photographed part of medieval Tenby,” added Mr Morgan.