A new supermarket is set to open on a site in Narberth that was at the centre of a retail planning controversy.

CK’s Supermarkets, the largest independent food retailer in south west Wales, has bought the site of the former Brains Brewery depot in Spring Gardens.

The building had been earmarked for a £1.5million Coop food store and car park, but planning permission was turned down by Pembrokeshire County Council two years ago.

More than 700 letters – the majority voicing opposition – were received by the authority, which rejected the 10,000 square feet plan on the grounds that it was ‘unacceptable’.

Developers Douglas Gregg (Crosshands) Limited, who were due to lease the store to the Co-op, appealed against the decision but withdrew their appeal – and subsequently their interest in the site – last May.

Because of the smaller size of the CK’s Supermarkets store, it will be able to take advantage of the retail usage specifications that already exist on the site.

A certificate of lawful development has established a mix of retail and storage uses, relating to around 4,300 square feet of retail floor space and approximately 2,150 square feet of ancillary storage.

CK’s Supermarkets, which was founded in 1988 by its managing director, Christopher Kiley, currently has 20 stores in its portfolio, including Newcastle Emlyn, St Davids, Fishguard and Hakin.

Mr Kiley said: “We are delighted to bring our business to Narberth. This is a very exciting venture for us and we are enthused to be joining a vibrant business community, and look forward to creating new jobs and employing local people.”

He revealed that the Narberth development would feature a large car park, in-store bakery and a variety of local fresh produce, with 45% of its products sourced locally. Work has already begun on the site, with the store planned to open early next year.

Mr Kiley added: “I am certain that the store will benefit the town as a whole, and we look forward to serving the local community with local staff for many years to come.”

Narberth’s county councillor, Wynne Evans, said: “There are a number of exciting plans in the pipeline for Narberth, and the regeneration of this site and the introduction of a new supermarket is a priority for us.”

Pembrokeshire County Council is still seeking a buyer for Narberth’s old primary school, which it had previously earmarked for ‘a quality’ retail development.

Four potential developers were shortlisted and interviewed by the council 18 months ago, but no decision followed.

A council spokesman told the Western Telegraph: “Pembrokeshire County Council will be re-advertising the Narberth old school in about two weeks’ time as a retail/mixed use development opportunity.

“The retail element could be food retail, but it depends on the proposals put forward by developers.”