Pembrokeshire’s national park was recently recognised for its planning excellence after works on the redevelopment of Saundersfoot harbour were named the best project at the RTPI Cymru Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.
The RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Cymru Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate outstanding plans, projects and people that demonstrate the power of planning to make a positive difference to places and communities.
The award recognises the role of planning in supporting the transformation of Saundersfoot Harbour into a resilient, year-round destination.
Delivered by Saundersfoot Harbour with planning input from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the phase two project was praised by judges as “an exemplar for coastal economic resilience in smaller settlements” and “a very good example of planning enabling place-based regeneration.”
The judges also recognised the role of planners in addressing design changes, conservation area issues, flood risk, accessibility and the coordination of several linked schemes within a working harbour.
Sara Morris, Director of Place and Engagement at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “We are delighted that Phase 2 of the Saundersfoot Harbour Redevelopment Project has been recognised by RTPI Cymru.
“This award is a real testament to the value of good planning in helping places adapt, thrive and deliver lasting benefits for their communities. Saundersfoot Harbour is a hugely important location, both locally and strategically, and this project shows how careful planning can support regeneration while respecting the character, heritage and environmental challenges of a coastal setting. I would particularly like to thank Andrew Richards and Nicola Gandy who both led on the planning aspects of the project for the Authority.
“The judges’ comments underline the strength of the partnership approach behind the project, and we are very pleased to see the work of our planning team recognised alongside Saundersfoot Harbour’s ambition and commitment. The final delivered scheme is a result of significant work from the Harbour, local businesses and the community who have transformed Saundersfoot’s offer.”
Ted Sangster, Chairman of Saundersfoot Harbour Commission, said: “The successful Phase 2 of the harbour development now provides both an active fishing and recreational sailing harbour and an all-year-round visitor attraction serving an increasingly diverse range of users and has created around 100 new jobs – so far. Our work with local businesses and stakeholders has been greatly assisted and supported by the open and consultative partnership with the Park Authority, which is based on the shared aim of sustainable economic delivery and social benefit to our community.”
As winner of the Best Project category in Wales, the Saundersfoot Harbour project will also be automatically entered as a finalist in the UK National Awards for Planning Excellence; the UK national finals taking place in December.
The Authority is also shared in another win as Dark Skies Guidance for Wales, developed by a working group from across Wales including the park’s Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Policy) Gayle Lister, won the Chair’s Award at the RTPI Cymru Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.
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