Bluestone gains full support from council (From Western Telegraph)

Bluestone gains full support from council

THE economic benefits of the multi-million pound Bluestone Project would far outweigh any detrimental effects on Pembrokeshire, according to the county council's director of planning.

The comments came at a specially-convened meeting of county council planners last week, when the application by William McNamara, Bluestone Holdings Ltd, and Alfred McAlpine Construction Ltd received unanimous backing.

The proposal must now go before the next meeting of the full council tomorrow (Thursday). If, as expected, it is approved it will then be put to the National Assembly, which has backed the project from its inception.

Director Roger Barrett-Evans' words were echoed around the meeting room, where not a single dissenting voice was heard.

Councillor Brian Hall said: "The list of people who support the application looks like a Who's Who and Pembrokeshire County Council must be part of that list."

Cllr Don Evans said: "There are many authorities throughout the UK who would love the opportunity we have here - let's grab it with both hands."

Cllr Peter Stock said the project would give the thousands who pass through the county en route to Ireland each year a reason to stop and spend time in Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Alwyn Luke said: "In 50 years of local government this is one of the most exciting developments I have seen. We must make this work, not only by granting permission but by seeing it all the way through."

Many of the councillors said the project was the county's only chance of a future and would signal Pembrokeshire's potential. Cllr Hall said: "We are duty bound to send a loud and clear message to developers that we encourage future development."

Cllr Kenneth Phillips said: "I feel sorry for the environmentalists and conservationists, but there is no point putting a picture of the Preselis on your children's plate for dinner."

* The planning application for the holiday village part of the Bluestone Project will come before the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's development control committee today (Wednesday).

Pictured: William McNamara: Heading the Bluestone development.