LISTED building consent for an application to open up part of Pembroke’s historic town wall has been turned down by county planners.

The application, by Richard Naylor of 36 Main Street, sought to allow pedestrian access to the rear of number 36 through the Grade 2 listed building wall.

A report for planners accompanying the application stated the proposed access would enable cultivation of a burgage plot to the rear and enable residential development.

The town walls are believed to have been established in the 13th Century, but parts of it, along Millpond Walk, are later, the report, citing the book, The buildings of Wales, Pembrokeshire, by Lloyd, Orbach and Scourfield.

The application stated that, although number 36 has no evidence of a former opening, it is likely to have had one in the past, with the possibility that all properties backing on to Mill Pond Walk may, at one time, have had access to the river.

The application was supported by Pembroke Town Council, subject to approval by conservation areas and listed buildings, while Pembroke Civic Trust strongly objected, objections also being received from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales and Pembrokeshire Historic Buildings Trust.

The application was refused on the basis that it would have an adverse effect on the special character of the walls.