THE first phase of an extensive project to build a new marina in Fishguard has been given the green light by Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC).

The £40m phase consists of an 8.28 hectare development platform, breakwaters, 345 floating marina berths and a dredged marina basin.

Last week, council planners expressed their support for the “important development” – put forward by investment company Conygar – and unanimously to approve the initial phase.

The scale of the development platforms has been reduced from 16 hectares to 8.28 hectares.

However, the positioning of the platforms has changed, with increased construction on the south-eastern part of the site.

A report presented to councillors explained how the enlargement of the eastern development platform “would adversely affect some views to a greater extent when compared to that indicated in the previous masterplan”.

“Landscape and visual effects, and those on the historic environment, remain acceptable.”

Speaking at the planning committee meeting, Cllr Gwilym Price expressed his support for the proposal.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am,” he said.

“The majority of people in Goodwick are delighted with this project. It’s going to have a huge effect on the economy.”

His comments were supported by Cllr Keith Lewis, who said: “It’s a really important development for both the town as well as north Pembrokeshire and the county as a whole.”

However, the plans have been met with concern among some locals.

Karin Clark, of Goodwick, has doubts about the viability of the project.

“The development is a nice idea, but it’s in the wrong place,” she said.

“Nobody wants to sail here as there’s not good sailing.

“There are vast amounts of people who do not want the project to go ahead.”

In total, there are five phases to the development, with this initial phase focusing on infrastructure.

The completed marina would consist of a commercial area, residential apartments and retail facilities.