COUNCILLORS have supported plans to develop a food park within the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone, creating almost 300 jobs.

Members of the Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee were recently updated on the project by Martin White, Pembrokeshire County Council's Head of Regeneration.

Feasibility studies have shown there to be sufficient interest in developing the food park, as some existing food and drink companies in the county are unable to expand due to the lack of food grade premises.

The report recommended that the park should be located at Withybush, specifically on land to the immediate north of the Day’s car dealership, because of its central location within Pembrokeshire, easy access arrangements from the A40 and good visibility.

The units would range in size from 150-300 sqm for small to medium sized businesses and up to 2,000 sqm for large companies.

The number of jobs created by the proposed development throughout its four phases is estimated to be 296.

During the debate, Councillor Jonathan Nutting questioned the location. He said: “I’m worried we are getting a bit carried away with centralisation.

“Part of the enterprise idea is to increase employment around the enterprise zone. Part of this site could obviously go down in Pembroke Dock and tie in with the Innovation Centre.”

Cllr David Lloyd was excited by the project. He said: “I anticipate that once it starts it will inspire lots of people to go into the fashionable world of authentic homemade products. I’ve seen something like this in Brittany and I think it’s really going to catch fire.”

Cllr Keith Lewis said: “This is a really important development. I regard it as a project of some priority for this authority to try and move forward.

“I know from discussions with some of the award-winning producers at the County Show that there is enthusiasm for having a facility where they could develop their products, rather than having to go outside of the county.”

The next step for the project is to identify grant funding opportunities, either from the Welsh Government (e.g. via the Enterprise Zone) or European Funding. Committee members will be kept informed of the progress.