MEMBERS of the public will have an extra two weeks to comment on plans to radically alter the centre of Fishguard, as well as an opportunity to talk to the council and consultants about the plans.

Phase Two of The Chimney’s Link Masterplan involves the redevelopment of 1.5 hectares of land in Fishguard town centre. It will include construction of new link road and other works including a bus/coach stop, alterations to existing Co-Op store, demolition of Transition Bro Gwaun’s café, the former Fishguard Junior School buildings and part of the old library.

Former proposals to also create accommodation, shops and a hotel are not included in the current planning application.

Pembrokeshire County Council is, this week, holding a two-day exhibition publicising the scheme taking place at the Town Hall in Market Square today, Wednesday, September 6, from 9am to 2pm and tomorrow, Thursday September 7, from 3 pm to 7 pm.

Pembrokeshire County Council officers will be on hand to answer questions from members of the public who are welcome to air their views.

A council spokesman said:

“It is anticipated that the link road, once operational, will alleviate traffic and create a better pedestrian environment within all roads of the town centre.”

However the scheme has come under criticism from former Fishguard resident and town centre regeneration specialist, George Grace, founder of Town Centred, who said that, while some of the ideas in the plans are to be applauded, there are some “desperate missed opportunities” for the town.

These include a failure to re-create the “lost heart” of Fishguard town centre, the need to create a tree lined boulevard from the Golden Mile to Lota Park and the need for pedestrian friendly spaces.

He says that the scheme should be supported, otherwise funding could be lost, but the bus stop should be reduced in size and enhanced in appearance, a “green lung” link be established between the park and the Golden Mile and that the land around the new road be masterplanned around a vision developed by the local community.

People now have an extra two weeks to comment on the plans. The extension period has been extended to enable Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council to make comments.

Representations can made on the matter, planning application reference number 17/0422/PA, up until September 22. It will go before the county council's planning committee on October 3.