Former Councillor’s Pub Plan Cancelled

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Plans to expand and update a well-known Pembrokeshire seaside village pub to “restore some historical character and originality” by a former county councillor who owns many hostelries in the county have been withdrawn.

In two applications to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, Mike Evans of Harbwr Brewery, a former county councillor and national park authority member, sought permission for a long string of internal and external alterations at Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot, along with a change of use of a gift shop within the perimeter footprint into the pub, along with a new access.

The first application included new toilet facilities and alterations to improve the pub’s interior, a classical porch / canopy on the Strand side, a replacement sea view balcony area on the beach-side rear, and repair of the rear east elevation.

A supporting statement through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect said the 19th Century pub “has endured many alterations during its lifetime and at present it needs improvements to echo the recent upgrading of the village, both in the general tourism support facilities, as well as the new innovative harbour development,” with the  appearance and interior facilities “tired” and needing “works both inside and outside to enable the inn to achieve and provide the high levels of cuisine and facilities now expected”.

It says: “The Inn has been purchased by a local company who have a number of establishments within Saundersfoot and Tenby. The company is owned by local people, they use local produce, they employ local labour and work actively with local communities to achieve the high standards expected.

“The proposals include internal alterations to the internal layout of basement and ground floor which will improve bar, kitchen and food facilities and allow a much more varied menu including lots of local produce and locally caught seafood dishes. New toilet facilities will be provided on both levels to cater for the increase in visitors to the Inn.  The Chemist’s frontage to The Strand has been much altered over the years and any original features have been lost.

The proposals intend to replace modern doors and canopies with more traditional components and features which reflect the historical character of the conservation area and improve the street scene.”

It goes on to say: “The rear ‘beer garden’ will be improved to allow more space and comfortable seating areas. The applicant is well known for the extensive use of external plotted plants in open areas at their establishments and the garden area will give the opportunity of using such to soften the garden area whilst giving greater habitat opportunities for birds and insects. We believe the proposals support the character of the Conservation area. The street elevation attempts to restore some historical character and originality into the street scene.”

No objections to either scheme were made by local community council Saundersfoot.

The application has since been marked as withdrawn by national park planners.


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