A famous seaside town is poised for a huge boost amid plans for a new hotel, spa and restaurant. A scheme to transform a former department store and town hall in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, is set to be approved by planners.
Bassett Crockford Holdings Ltd wants permission from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to change the use of the department store as well as partially changing it for the market hall and old town hall building. Members of the national park's management committee are due to decide whether or not to approve the use change at a meeting on April 9, according to Wales Online.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said Tenby Town Council supports the plans as long as the local market's operations are protected. It also wants assurances over light levels being maintained at a ground floor of the market and an agreed action plan for its potential refurbishment.
Tenby Civic Society has raised concerns about the possible impact of the spa and fitness suite on market traders, but according to the LDRS it welcomes plans for them to have access to a new loo.
Members of the public have questioned whether the town needs a spa hotel on top of expressing fears over the market's possible temporary closure. A proposed bar and restaurant has also raised some eyebrows, with worries about potential antisocial behaviour.
Under the plans, the new hotel would span two buildings, with a ground floor reception and 20 rooms along with two roof extensions.
A gym, treatment rooms and café also form part of the scheme. The restaurant would be big enough for 88 diners.
Under the plans, alterations would be made to the outside of one of the existing buildings earmarked for the scheme.
The exterior of the Grade II-listed Market Hall would be kept, with repairs to its slate roof and repairs to a gate.
A total £25,000 could be sought under a Section 106 agreement between the developer and local authority to boost the number of electric vehicle charging points in the town and sustainable travel.