A scheme to site 72 homes, 25 of them affordable, on the outskirts of Saundersfoot is not expected to have a ‘no second homes’ condition, despite a plea by the seaside village’s community council.

Back in 2022, Persimmon Homes applied to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for the scheme on a 2.26 hectare area of land adjoining the northernmost houses of the long-established Sandyhill Park residential estate.

The official application, including 47 open market dwellings, proposes a variety of detached, semi-detached, terraced and apartment properties to create an ‘attractive and integrated extension to Saundersfoot’.

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How one of the three-bedroomed properties will look. (Image: The Urbanists)

The application is recommended for delegated approval when it comes before the National Park’s development management committee on July 17.

The affordable housing units will be split into four low-cost ownership units and 21 socially rented units, a report for PCNPA planners states; the 35% affordable percentage taking precedent over an affordable housing policy requirement of 50% as it is designated as an allocated site.

As well as the affordable housing element and an open space provision, a financial contribution of £2,000 per open market property, some £94,000, is required by the county council’s highways department to cover the contribution towards Active Travel Routes within the local area (Saundersfoot Harbour to New Hedges).

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The proposed design of the site's apartments. (Image: The Urbanists)

Saundersfoot Community Council members have objected to the scheme on a number of grounds, asking for its refusal. Councillors have also called for a caveat that no property is bought for second-home holiday use.

Reasons of objection include - the scheme being dominant, overbearing, and intrusive to existing residents; access and road safety issues; infrastructure, and the effect on local services.

On a potential residency condition, a report states that the authority has undertaken an assessment based on its established methodology which demonstrates that there is not a sufficient justification in this case to impose such a condition.

Sandy hill road
A scheme to site 72 homes, 25 of them affordable, on the outskirts of Saundersfoot is not expected to have a ‘no second homes’ condition, despite a plea by the local community council. (Observer pic)

It adds: “It is the flat or apartment-style properties that are more likely to be occupied as a holiday let or second home, however within the development these properties will already be controlled as they are designated as affordable housing.

It is recommended, subject to further updates to be received at the committee meeting, that delegated powers of approval are given to officers, subject to receipt of a Section 106 legal agreement addressing the provision of affordable housing, open space and a financial contribution towards the Active Travel Route.