IN A SURPRISE move, the Port of Milford Haven appears to have taken on board the concerns of local people over its planned demolition of the Old Docks Office.

The Grade-II listed building had been earmarked for demolition to create a bigger entrance into its proposed multi-million pound ‘masterplan development’ – much to the dismay of local people.

Last week, Jeff Teague, estates director at the Port, said many alternative options for access into the dock had been explored, but the only one viable would require re-building the Old Docks Office further down the marina.

But heritage campaigners had expressed concern over how little of the existing building would be re-incorporated into the new design. 

But, in a statement released yesterday (Wednesday) the Port said it had since met with local councillors and heritage officers and reached a “a broad agreement that the Milford Dock scheme would be enhanced by a more complete rebuild of the Old Docks office”.

Asked whether this meant the Port would be retracting its application for demolition in order to come up with a new design, a spokesman said: “The Port is meeting with relevant officers to discuss exactly what is required for the treatment of the listed building.”

Deputy Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Stephen Joseph, was among councillors to meet with the Port, and welcomed the announcement.

“I’m pleased the Port has finally listened to the people on this,” he said.

“I don’t think they were aware perhaps of the strength of public feeling, but now they seem to have taken it on board and appear willing to change their plans.”

He said he had been told by Mr Teague, and Port chief executive Alec Don that the building would now be re-built around 25 metres away from its current location, using as much of the old building as possible.

Concerns had been raised that the aging stonework would not survive the move, but Cllr Joseph said he had been assured the Port would make every effort to source stone that would complement the building’s original design.

He said most locals had wanted the development to go ahead, but not at the expense of losing part of its heritage.

“The perfect result would be that the building isn’t moved at all, but you can’t justify that against a £70m investment,” he said.

Cllr Eric Harries, Mayor of Milford Haven, said he was relieved that a compromise had been found, as he had been fearful that a huge investment - with the potential to bring hundreds of jobs into the town - was going to be ‘put in jeopardy because of a single element’.

He added: “If the Port is attempting to replicate the building in a new location I think we should welcome this change of heart and look forward to the potential boost to the local economy.”