New Hedges’ county councillor has urged locals to take part in a public consultation on plans touted to site a new Lidl store on the outskirts of Tenby - stressing that no planning decisions have yet been made on the proposals.

It was announced earlier this week, that Lidl are progressing forward with proposals for a new foodstore on land off the A478, on the gateway into Tenby on Narberth Road at New Hedges.

A site near the entrance to Park House Court care home has been earmarked for the store.

The plans are at an early stage, but would likely include:

• A new store, with a 1,334 sq m net sales area, built to the very latest specification, including modern in-store facilities like Lidl’s popular bakery, and customer toilets with baby changing facilities

• 103 parking spaces including 6 accessible and 9 parent and child bays and covered cycle parking

• Up to 40 jobs for local people including full and part-time roles, with entry-level staff receiving Lidl’s competitive £12.40 per hour starting pay

• Enhanced environmental features such as solar panels on the roof and rapid electric vehicle chargers in the parking area, as Lidl has an ongoing commitment to enhance the sustainability of its stores.

A spokesperson for the foodstore said on the proposals: “Lidl believes these plans will provide significant benefits for the community including new jobs and increased local choice for shoppers.”

“A new Lidl store at this site would increase local shopping choice and create up to 40 new jobs.

“The planning application will consider a range of matters including design, landscaping and highways.”

A public information event is being held on Wednesday, December 4 at De Valence Pavilion on Tenby’s Upper Frog Street.

Members of the public are invited to drop in to the event any time between 3 and 7pm where members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions.

Following this stage of the consultation, Lidl will prepare a formal planning application to the Local Authority.

Further details of the scheme are available on the consultation website: Lidl Tenby - Public Consultation (tenby.newsite.lidl.co.uk)

A leaflet with a freepost feedback form is also being sent to the community.

County councillor for the ward of St Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges), Cllr Rhys Jordan, shared the news on his Facebook page earlier this week, and addressed some concerns in responses he received from constituents, stating: “Thank you for your comments. I’d like to clarify and address the points raised.

“This is a public consultation, not a planning application. No decision has been made, and this is an opportunity for residents to share their views. I encourage everyone to take part to ensure their concerns are heard.”

On his position for the proposals, Cllr Jordan who also sits on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee commented: “I have not expressed support or opposition to the scheme. My role is to listen to residents and represent their concerns.

“Any judgement I make will be informed by what’s best for the community.”

Discussing road safety concerns for the locality, he went onto say: “I was elected in 2022 and have consistently raised road safety issues with highways.

“I will continue to push for improvements. Concerns raised before 2022 would have been the responsibility of my predecessor.

On wider concerns raised by local residents, Cllr Jordan remarked: “I understand concerns about noise, green space, traffic, and wildlife. These issues must be addressed, and I will ensure they are raised should the scheme progress.

“I am committed to open communication and representing residents. If you feel further discussion is needed, I am always available to meet.

“I encourage everyone to participate in the consultation to ensure all concerns are formally recorded. I remain committed to representing the best interests of the community,” he added.

The site in question is on the gateway into the seaside town of Tenby, only a short distance away from the 15-acre Brynhir site, where Pembrokeshire County Council plan to build 125 houses.

Building for the Brynhir development is due to start next year, after updated plans were unanimously approved by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority back in September.

As usual the news of a new store being proposed for any Pembrokeshire town, divides opinion, and people have been having their say on social media.

“This is an ideal location. What a bonus not having to drive to Pembroke Dock!” said one local; although another stated: “Absolutely NO!! Car parking being used all night, early morning or night deliveries; refrigeration units running all night causing noise to residents; increase of traffic at a small junction to name a few issues.”