TRAFFIC concerns have been raised after planning permission was granted to a new biomass plant in Trecwn.

While the source of fuel and mode of transport to and from the site has not yet been confirmed, a report from the Director of Development said it was likely that fuel will initially be delivered by road.

The will equate to approximately 53 HGV deliveries per day (or 106 two way movements), which are proposed to be spread evenly over the day between 7am and 6pm.

Access to the former Royal Navy armaments depot will be from the A40 trunk road, from which there is a private road.

Speaking at the last meeting of Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, Councillor Edward Perkins said he was worried about an increase in traffic and asked what measures Pembrokeshire County Council was taking to deal with it.

He said: “The junction at Trecwn is not built for 106 movements. We don’t want to see an increase in accidents.”

County Cllr Gwilym Price, who sits on the county council’s planning committee, was able to reassure him that planning permission was granted subject to the applicant fulfilling no less than 23 conditions.

They included traffic management plans for fuel delivery and construction, as well as a study which would look into the feasibility of transporting the fuel onto site via rail.

Cllr Price said: “We must all aim for the development of the rail system – that’s what I’ll be fighting for.”

Cllr Alex Allison added: “I worked in Trecwn for 20 years and there’s a really good rail link. Common sense would see deliveries taken off the road and onto the railway.”