Amendments to the third phase of a previously granted Pembrokeshire seaside village housing scheme, which will see the overall numbers reduced but the proportion of affordable houses increase, have been given the go-ahead.
In an application recommended for approval at the March meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee Morgan Construction (Wales) Limited, through agent Evans Banks Planning Limited sought permission for the reconfiguration of the third phase of a residential development at Whitlow, Narberth Road, Saundersfoot.
The original granted 2023 scheme, already part-built, was for 54 homes, but the proposals would see that reduced to 47.
An officer report for members said: “The overall site is partially completed with Phase 1 of the development comprising the 16 market dwellings and Phase 2, 19 affordable dwellings and Phase 3 for a further 19 market dwellings.
“This application seeks to change the site layout and dwellinghouse types for the remainder of the development, referred to as Phase 3. Permission is for 19 one and two-bed apartments, located in the middle of the development site.
“The proposal is to change the housing types to two three-bed detached houses, three two-bed detached bungalows, four two-bed terraced townhouses and three three-bed terraced townhouses. The proposed housing mix would reduce the housing numbers of Phase 3 from 19 apartments to 12 houses and the overall housing numbers of the site from 54 to 47.
“The number of affordable dwellings is not proposed to change; therefore, the reduction in the number of market housing units would result in a higher percentage of affordable dwellings on site (35.1 per cent increasing to 40.4 per cent).”
It added: “The applicants have submitted evidence to demonstrate that there has been very limited demand for the consented 19 apartments, due in part to the considerable supply of such properties already available in the lower area, and the demand for homes suitable for young families or for the older population to downsize into smaller, low-maintenance bungalows.
“In addition, the applicants have indicated that the lack of demand for the proposed apartments may result in Phase 3 being held in abeyance, leaving future residents inhabiting a partially completed site.”
Members backed delegated approval, with a long string of conditions, to senior officers subject to the completion of legal agreements to cover planning obligations, including affordable housing delivery, its retention in perpetuity and financial contributions towards Library Services, Recreational Open Space and Sustainable Transport.
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