A contentious planning application to change part of Tenby’s market hall and former town hall, and the nearby former TP Hughes department store into a luxury spa hotel, restaurant and bar is expected to be approved by National Park planners next week.

Applicant ‘Bassett Crockford Holdings Ltd’ is seeking permission from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for a change of use the former TP Hughes/ M&Co store; and a part change of use of the market hall and former town hall to a spa hotel, restaurant and cafe/bar, with associated extensions and alterations at 12 High Street.

The plans, and a related listed building application, are recommended for delegated approval at the April 9 meeting of the park’s development management committee.

The scheme is supported by Tenby Town Council, subject to protection of existing market operations, to retain appropriate levels of illumination into market area at ground floor level, and an agreed action plan for integration with potential refurbishment of the market.

Tenby Civic Society has raised concerns on the spa/fitness suite having an impact on the running of the market traders’ businesses, but welcomes the addition of a ground floor WC for market traders.

Concerns listed from members of the public in the case officer’s report, include - the impact on existing market traders during construction both in terms of noise and dust during works; and a potential temporary market closure for construction work to be undertaken; along with potential anti-social behaviour arising from the proposed bar/restaurant.

An officer report for planners says: “The development for a new hotel extends across two buildings with reception at ground floor, retention of a first-floor enclosed link bridge will provide internal access between the two buildings.

“The 20 hotel rooms will be located within the remaining upper floors of the existing M & Co buildings, and two new roof extensions in a mansard form to accommodate further hotel space.

“The spa comprising treatment rooms, gym and associated facilities will be located at first floor level within the historic town hall aspect and first floor extensions off the rear which extend into the marketplace at first floor level.

“Further facilities in the form of a café will be linked to the hotel reception area at ground floor with additional toilet facilities and bicycle storage provided within the basement level. The proposed restaurant will be accommodated within the southern building, providing 88 covers and having toilet facilities located at first floor level above part of the restaurant.

“The proposed scheme also includes various external alterations to the existing M & Co buildings to accommodate the new uses.

“The Market Hall, which is a Grade-II-Listed Building will be retained as existing externally, and repairs are proposed to its slate roof and one of the gates on the main façade which will be repaired and painted. No other external alterations are proposed to the structure.”

The report says a financial contribution of £25,000 can be requested to support active and sustainable travel improvements within the vicinity of Tenby, which would support implementation of EV charge points within the community by the Highway Authority.

The application is recommended for conditional delegated approval to senior park officers on completion of a S106 legal agreement to cover financial contributions.

Ahead of any decision being made on the application, concerns still remain amongst traders at the Market Hall, that they are being kept in the dark over the future plans for the facility, and what set-up will be in place for them to continue trading, and how it will affect them, should the development go ahead.

With the market building under the ownership of Pembrokeshire County Council, County Councillor for Tenby’s North Ward, Cllr Michael Williams has voiced his concerns on the handling of the matter.

“I note the detailed planning application submitted to PCNPA which will have a major impact on the market operations; and I am concerned that the valid concerns of the market traders are being ignored.

“On November 25 I requested a meeting be arranged between PCC officers and the market traders but was told by PCC that a meeting ‘would not serve any useful purpose due to the lack of detail available at that time’.

"Since then, a detailed agreement appears to have been recached with the developers of the M&Co site, with no indication as to the future of several small businesses at the market.

“No information has been shared on the inevitable disruption which will impact the traders; and ehere is little evidence that any of the concerns raised over several months by these small retail units has been addressed,” continued Cllr Williams.

“Investment in the town is welcomed, but it appears that the concerns of the little man is being ignored and sacrificed on the altar of mammon.

“This application could well be determined within a very short period of time with the traders left without any assurances as to their future, if indeed they will have a future.

“Tenby Town Council it appears supports the proposals, once again displaying their careless cavalier approach to planning.

“We should be able to rely on them to put the wellbeing of the Tenby traders first and foremost. If we can’t rely on them to do this, then what is the point of them!” he added.