I refer to Lidl’s planning application 15/0808/PA to demolish its present store in Haverfordwest and build a far larger, commercial-styled two-storey store extending along the roadside frontage of Perrots Road.

It would take in the existing site plus that of Bland’s garage, over 8000 m2 in all.

Parking and access would move from the Perrots Road frontage, to alongside Thomas Parry Way and also behind the store, below the ‘cliff ’.

The existing store building is within the town’s Conservation Area and was thus subject to design control, unlike the proposed one.

It has been noted that the application gives a bird’s eye view of the proposed layout.

However there is scant reference to Conservation area and none about the historic locality. Significantly, there is none about how the site is to be reconstructed. Overall, Bland’s is a substantial 6 metres lower than Lidl’s present site. This implies that excavation work would be undertaken rather than building up the level, yet no details of earth movements, or scaled drawings are given. Thus there is the potential impact on the existing steep cliff excavations which risk being extended further. Significantly, these excavations would impact on adjoining listed properties in City Road, dating back to the medieval era.

Contact with the Planning Department has not been reassuring. Adjoining property boundaries would not be protected, even if excavations took place (historic properties have already been similarly compromised in the Haverfordwest area due to large-scale developments).

Furthermore, my understanding was that concerned parties would look at a planning application on the assumption that it is complete in detail. With a deadline for comments in prospect, how can people comment fully if they are unaware of significant omissions, as in this case? How would they know if amendments had later been added? If an application is passed, then it is already too late for retrospective comment, or redress.

My concern is that a minor planning submission would have to be accurate; largescale organisations such as Lidl have expertise on side: an application can be drafted in a favourable light to gain permission for development in a manner which may understate or even conceal the potential harmful impact on its environment. What, also, of its legacy, should the site be vacated in future?

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