PERMANENT plans for a car park, which has been operating in Tenby’s South Parade since 2011, are recommended for refusal despite a long history of planners’ support.

The application by Giles Birt of Five Arches Car Park Ltd for a permanent change of use for the 102 space car park at the former Tenby Ford Garage car park in the town’s South Parade has been backed by Tenby Town Council.

It will be considered at the April 25 meeting of Pembrokeshire coast National Park’s development management committee.

The application was previously considered at the March committee meeting, where members were minded to approve the application, despite an officers’ recommendation for refusal.

A ‘cooling-off’ period was invoked by officers following this, with the application being brought to the April meeting.

In a report for members, officers state it is contrary to national and local policy.

It is again recommended for refusal.

The application has a long history of officer recommendations for refusal being overturned by members of the committee.

In early 2015, it was given a three year breathing space to run on a temporary basis, despite officer recommendations for refusal, by park planners.

It had previously been approved for three years in late September 2011.

The site itself has been earmarked for commercial or residential development in the Local Development Plan.

One letter of objection to the application has been received, stating it is the last major site for residential development; that permanent planning would blight the site, described as able to be mistaken for an inner city parking lot, for years; and that temporary consent should only be considered.

Park planning officers have recommended refusal on the grounds it increased traffic in the town, adequate – often underutilised - parking already existed, there was a lack of evidence for the need for extra parking spaces.

A report for members states: “Whilst the views of the town council are noted, at no time has a need for an additional car park been demonstrated with evidence of a shortage of car parking in Tenby.”