Consultation is underway on a major development planned for Fishguard.

The Chimney’s Link Masterplan proposes the redevelopment of 1.5 hectares of land in the town centre, the creation of a new link road, and the demolition of various buildings.

An outline planning application will be submitted by Atkins Ltd on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council in November.

The principles of redevelopment put forward in the Masterplan include:

• Three new retail units and one new mixed-use building

• Provision of 142 car parking spaces, including 10 disabled spaces, and 16 bicycle parking spaces

• Introduction of landscaping throughout the site

• Provision of a pedestrian area and public open spaces along the new link road

• New bus focal point area, bus shelters, benches and taxi rank

• New link road through the site, associated footpaths and street lighting

• Alterations to the exterior of the existing Co-operative supermarket building

• Demolition of various buildings including the former Fishguard Junior School

• New public space area adjacent to the existing Ship & Anchor Councillor Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “We are currently undertaking consultation with interested parties and liaising with the adjacent land-holders. There are lots of issues to consider, including ecological matters.”

Local Fishguard Members, Councillors Myles Pepper and Pat Davies have endlessly pursued the development of the site.

Urging residents and business people alike too view the file, Councillor Pepper said: “Since the middle of this year, pre-planning consultation has been made compulsory for major developments and constructive comments will be welcomed by the developer.

“Fishguard Town Centre has already seen a major development completed and planned which is enabling a smile to develop on the faces of the people of Fishguard and Goodwick where there has been significant investment and development too.

Councillor Davies said: “This development has been a long time progressing. A lot of negotiations have taken place with various bodies but at last we can now look forward to its implementation. It will hopefully give confidence for further investment into our town.”

Goodwick County Councillor Gwilym Price said: “I’ve received a lot of feedback from members of the community and everyone I’ve spoke to is very positive. It’s a great step forward for Fishguard and very important to get things moving.”

• A copy of the proposed Masterplan and all associated reports and assessments can be viewed at: http://www.atkinsglobal.com/fishguard Printed copies are also available at the reception of:

• County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1TP Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

• Fishguard Town Hall, Market Square, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, SA65 9HE Monday to Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon and from Thursday to Friday from 10 am to 12 noon.