Plans to convert a vandalised former Pembrokeshire town centre Chinese restaurant to a flat and bedsits which were expected to be approved have been put on hold after concerns about the impact on a neighbouring property.
In an application recommended for approval the January 13 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Mr S Sahin and Miss S Ahmed, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, seek permission for a change of use of Grade-II-listed 20 Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven from the former Mandarin Restaurant to one flat and eight bedsits, an amendment of an original scheme which included one extra bedsit.
The scheme, in the town’s conservation area, was before committee rather than delegated to officers as it was recommended for approval despite being contrary to a policy of the development plan.
The application for the Mandarin follows a withdrawn scheme for three flats deemed invalid by council planners.
A supporting statement said: “The property has historically been in use as a Chinese restaurant on the ground floor with two flats on the upper floors of the building. The ground floor use of the building ceased some 10 years ago and currently lies vacant. Due to the lack of use of the building, it is in a very poor condition and has been the subject of unfortunate vandalism particularly to the interior of the building.”
It says that, after the previous scheme was withdrawn, the applicants have “since reviewed their position and now present revised applications to be considered by the council”.
It went on to say: “The clients have re-thought on what type of accommodation is needed and required in this part of Milford Haven,” adding: “The proposal is considered to put an important Grade-II-Listed Building back into beneficial use and would help to secure its long-term future. The proposal would represent a high-quality and sympathetic conversion and extension of the building, and which would make a positive contribution to the locality and conservation area status.”
An officer report recommending approval said one letter of objection was received raising concerns including potential impact on a neighbouring property and boundaries, and the discharge of the sewer under number 20.
At the meeting, member of the public Jessica Clarke raised concerns about the potential impact on her mother’s neighbouring property, with issues of height and massing, surface water discharge, and shared boundary walls, asking for a site visit before any decision was made.
Cllr Brian Hall, who moved a site visit, was one of several members who raised their concerns about potential impacts, members unanimously backing that move.
The application will return to a future planning meeting.
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