Narberth Chamber of Trade public meeting, chaired by AM Angela Burns, to discuss controversial Co-op plans (From Western Telegraph)

Narberth Chamber of Trade public meeting, chaired by AM Angela Burns, to discuss controversial Co-op plans

12:50pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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A public meeting to discuss a controversial planning application in Narberth is to be held by the town's chamber of trade tonight (Monday).

The Co-operative hopes to occupy the retail part of a new £1.5million redevelopment on the site of the former Brains Brewery in Spring Gardens.

A planning application has been submitted by Douglas Gregg (Cross Hands) Ltd, for part demolition, change of use and extension for a Class A1 retail food store at the former Brains Brewery and retail shop in Spring Gardens.

“The Co-operative has agreed terms to occupy a new 10,000 square foot food store in Narberth and is supporting the planning application,” said a spokesman for The Co-operative Group, Although the shop would bring dozens of the jobs to the town, there are concerns at the effect the development would have on Narberth’s many independent retailers.

Narberth Town Council has already lodged objections to the plan on several grounds, claiming the development would do irreversible harm to the community.

About 1,000 individual letters of opposition have been signed in the town and are being delivered to Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning department.

Local AM, Angela Burns,is chairing tonight's meeting. She has also added her voice to those of traders and shoppers opposing the development.

“Narberth traders are facing a really tough few months, with rates going through the roof, car parking charges introduced and now this,” she said last week.

“The Co-op will have an unfair advantage in that it can provide free parking and will have lower rates because it is on the edge of town.

“If we are forced down a retail route for the edge of town sites like this one, then it must be a development that complements and enhances the town.

“It needs to draw more people to the town, increase the footfall in the High Street and ensure that areas such as Market Square and St James Street don’t become isolated.”

But the developers: Actoris and Waterstore Estates and The Co-operative Group have defended the worth of the application.

"The presence of the shop would add, not detract, to Narberth's prosperity by preventing the current 'leakage' for bulk-buy shopping to Tenby, Haverfordwest and Carmarthen," said Actoris's Matt Bryant.

The planning application for the Brains site is expected to come before county planners before the end of April. If successful, work could begin on site by June, with the store open by December.

Tonight's meeting takes place at 6.30pm in the Courthouse, Narberth.