Plans which could transform the face of Haverfordwest are due to be submitted this week including hundreds of homes, a new supermarket and the redevelopment of a prime town centre waterside site.

Just two weeks ago supermarket giant Sainsbury's would not confirm when plans for its Haverfordwest store were due for submission, following a large public consultation a year ago.

But as the Western Telegraph went to press the development company behind the scheme announced the plans were ready.

The Conygar Investment Company PLC is submitting four planning applications to Pembrokeshire County Council, including newly revealed plans for the redevelopment of the existing retail site between Ebenezer Row and the River Cleddau, near Swan Square.

An outline planning application for a mixed-use development at Slade Lane includes 729 homes, a supermarket and petrol station and land for a primary school.

Full plans for a Sainsbury's store will also be submitted along with an outline application for 106 residential units on a seven acre site at Slade Lane and one for a Ebenezer Row redevelopment with the aim of creating a viable retail corridor linking the north of the town to the town centre.

Sainsbury's development executive for Wales, Andrew Sanderson, said: "We are pleased to be part of the Conygar development and look forward to the application being heard by Pembrokeshire County Council.

"We believe Sainsbury's would be a valuable addition to the town and bring more choice in a weekly shop. In our public exhibition, the majority of local people who filled out feedback forms told us they supported the application."

Conygar believes its application to redevelop the riverside area of Ebenezer Row, between Swan Square and Churnworks roundabout, with offices and residential units above a row of new shops could attract a prestigious retail operator.

Despite not owning the land Conygar said it has had exploratory discussions with the owner of the majority of the Ebenezer Row site.

Conygar chief executive Robert Ware said: "This is further evidence of Conygar's confidence in Pembrokeshire, as an excellent place to live and work. We believe these schemes will rejuvenate the town centre and its attractions as a regional shopping centre.

"We believe our proposals will bring an excellent new store providing the public with quality and choice close to the town centre and the innovate Ebenezer Row scheme will provide a strong link to the existing shopping streets. It will also provide the most modern retail units to attract top quality retailers back to the town."

Ward county councillor Tom Tudor said that Slade Lane site was "currently marked in the JUDP [the council's future development plan] for housing only and if Sainsbury's wanted to put a supermarket on the land they would have to go through the formal process of appealing and changing the requirements of the document".

 

The leader of Pembrokeshire County Council has welcomed the Conygar planning application which he described as excellent news for the Pembrokeshire.

While stressing that the proposed development would have to undergo the rigours of the planning process before it became a reality, Councillor Jamie Adams said:

 

“In these straightened times, this major development proposal provides a very rare and valuable opportunity for both Pembrokeshire and Haverfordwest in particular.

 

“There is also the possibility for a high number of full-time and part-time jobs over a number of years when factoring in the construction side of the project.

 

“I believe it is also important that this development is delivered in a way which adds to the long-term viability of Haverfordwest town centre.

 

“As well as providing a wider choice for shoppers, it is reassuring that an investment company such as Conygar and a top retailer like Sainsbury’s should have the confidence to commit such a potentially huge investment in Pembrokeshire in the current economic climate.”

The application for planning follows hard on the heels of the announcement that Debenhams is set to move into Haverfordwest.

KFC is also planning a move into the county town and hopes to have news of a site for a drive through restuarant soon.