RESIDENTS of Little Haven are protesting after the National Park granted planning permission for a sea defence scheme.

A petition of 125 signatures raised concerns about the impact the plan – lodged by Pembrokeshire County Council - will have on the appearance and amenity of the beach.

The development includes the installation of rock armour along the eastern sea wall.

Co-owner of the St Brides Inn Mary Whitewright has mounted a social media campaign to draw people’s attention to the controversial scheme.

“I feel, very strongly, that rock armour would spoil Little Haven and affect tourism,” she said. “I want people to be aware of what could happen to one of their lovely beaches.”

Chris Vane, leaseholder of The Castle pub on Little Haven’s seafront, said locals felt the decision was made by people who “don’t have the best interests of the village at heart”.

“This is a very popular, pretty village, and the thought of having a pile of concrete thrown at the place scared the hell out of us,” he added. “We’re not against protecting Little Haven, but we want more consultation and something more aesthetically pleasing.”