An appeal against the refusal of plans for a takeaway food kiosk at a former lifeboat store in Tenby’s seaside harbour, despite an officer recommendation of approval, has been lodged.
Last March, plans to site a takeaway food kiosk at a former lifeboat store in Tenby’s seaside harbour were refused despite an officer recommendation for approval.
At the March 2025 development management committee, Ruby Goodrick sought permission from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners to turn the old RNLI lifeboat store, Penniless Cove, Tenby Harbour, into a takeaway cold food outlet, open 10am-10pm seven days a week.
The application came before committee members rather than an officer decision as Tenby Town Council objected, and was recommended for approval despite being a departure from the adopted development plan.
An officer report, recommending approval, said: “Whilst it is acknowledged that the proposed used would introduce a retail element to this area of the harbour, on balance, officers consider that no significant harm would be caused to the character of Tenby Harbour as a result of this development since the use proposed occupies a relatively small floor area, and would not be a destination in and of itself, rather, it would rely on the existing footfall within the harbour.”
Speaking at the meeting, Alistair Mckay, on behalf of Tenby Sailing Club, said granting the scheme would lead to a potential conflict with other harbour users.
Applicant Ruby Goodrick told members she was “more than happy” to adjust the hours of opening of the business, building on the success of her mother’s former sandwich shop in the town called Truly Scrumptious.
She said the proposed takeaway, called Truly@The Harbour would “contribute positively to the local economy”.
However, concerns were raised by committee members, issues including congestion in the area and waste.
Members voted by 12 in favour to three against refusal.
Since then, the applicant has lodged an appeal with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), Ruby Goodrick in her statement saying: “The proposal is modest in scale, does not harm the retail hierarchy, is in close proximity to the town centre, and has received no objections from the majority of the statutory consultees.”
It went on to say: “The application was refused on the basis that the proposed use is located outside the defined town centre boundary and therefore is contrary [to policies]. However, as outlined in the planning officer’s own assessment, the building is situated approximately 25 metres outside of the defined retail centre and is a use that would otherwise be considered acceptable within that centre.”
It added: “Furthermore, there are already existing local businesses at Tenby Harbour that are allowed to operate without issue. These businesses demonstrate that commercial use in the area, including food-related enterprises, does not adversely affect the surrounding environment or the special qualities of the National Park.”
The appeal will be considered at a later date.
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