Former Pembrokeshire College Site Demolition Granted

An application to demolish Haverfordwest’s former learning centre, once occupied by Pembrokeshire College, has been backed by county planners.

Earlier this year, social housing provider Ateb Group Limited gave county planners prior notification of its plans to demolish the former learning centre, just off Dew Street, near to the former county library.

In its notification, Ateb said: “The building has been vacant for some years now, resulting in its general deterioration and unsuitability for further use.

“The building present on the site shares little commonality with nearby historic and traditional buildings within the Conservation Area, in terms of appearance, form or setting.

“It has no ecological interest on either the site or the building. In fact, the current style and form of the existing building could be said to detract from the setting and the character of the Haverfordwest Conservation Area.”

It added: “There are proposals for the cleared site to become a residential development of 41 apartments (affordable) at and around the former Learning Centre, Dew Street, Haverfordwest, on behalf of Ateb Group.”

Back in February, county planners concluded that an official application needed to be made rather than just prior notification before any demolition is granted, including a tree survey and a suitable method statement to minimise noise, dust and a strategy for dealing with hazardous materials should they arise during the process of demolition.

A Conservation Area application for the site demolition has now been granted by planning officers.

Consultation

Earlier this year, agent Evans Banks Planning Limited undertook a pre-application consultation for Ateb’s plans for the former learning centre.

A supporting statement said: “The consultation represents a proposal for the construction of a single three storey building which will contain 35 one-bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom apartments.

“The new development will provide sufficient off-street parking to serve the needs of both future residents and their visitors. Sustainable travel patterns will be promoted by including the provision for bike storage and parking.”