THE Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority looks set to be challenged by Bluestone over the company's major Blackpool Mill project being included in next week's meeting agenda.

The £2.5m scheme proposes transforming the historic building and its surroundings at Canaston Bridge into a 'heritage tourist facility'.

Being put forward by the nearby Bluestone National Park Resort, it was deferred by the Park authority's development management committee last May at the request of the applicant.

This was so that the reasons for refusal could be addressed.

The plans are now on the agenda for the meeting of the committee next Wednesday (November 8), with a recommendation for refusal, with officers reporting that no further information or amended plans had been submitted.

But a spokesman for Bluestone told the Western Telegraph today (Tuesday): "Bluestone has no knowledge that the National Park had listed this application six weeks earlier than planned and has asked the National Park to provide confirmation; as it was always Bluestone's intention to re-submit its application on December 13."

The application includes conversion and restoration of the Grade II Listed mill and ancillary buildings; construction of a steam railway, a 792-square metre events barn and associated facilities.

A spokesperson for the National Park authority said: "There are two linked and complex planning applications for consideration, which have been with the National Park Authority for almost a year.

"In this time, there have been extensive discussions with the applicant, who has made various amendments and ongoing revisions to the applications.

"In the absence of further requested information being provided by the applicant within the timescale required for committee, the authority needs to move forward to make a determination.

"In the meantime, we will continue to discuss a way forward with the applicant."