Bluestone takes step forward (From Western Telegraph)

Bluestone takes step forward

THE multi-million pound Bluestone Project has taken a step closer to becoming a reality, after part of the scheme received unanimous backing from Pembrokeshire County Council's planning committee yesterday (Tuesday).

Outline consent was granted for a Snow Centre, Waterworld, administrative buildings, landscaping, car parking and roadworks.

But the developers - William McNamara, Bluestone Holdings Ltd and Alfred McAlpine Construction Ltd - will have to abide by stringent conditions.

Mr McNamara said: "I am absolutely delighted to have a unanimous decision in favour of the project. You cannot have a better endorsement of the proposal."

Plans for the £61 million holiday village, which has pledged to bring more than 600 jobs to Pembrokeshire, has sparked considerable debate in the county.

The most controversial aspect has been the village itself, with its luxury timber lodges, to be located within the Pembrokeshire National Park, at Canaston Bridge. The Park Authority will make a decision on that application shortly.

The 27 conditions imposed by the county council include detailed approval and completion of a new roundabout and realignment of the A4075 before any other work can begin. The design and external appearance of buildings and landscaping must also be approved and any retail outlets on site must be provided in association with the leisure facilities, and only be available to users of those facilities.

Details of the operation of the energy centre and proposed combined heat and power system will also have to be agreed in writing prior to development and a full archaeological evaluation will have to be carried out. The results will then have to be submitted in support of any proposed design or layout of the development. Before the Snowcentre can be constructed, the applicants will have to submit a detailed hydrogeological report.

Other conditions cover foul drainage works, storage of oil, fuels and chemicals, internal access roads and car parking.