THE National Park Authority is inviting comments on its plans to conserve the built heritage of St Davids.

A recent review of the Authority’s 14 Conservation Areas highlighted that the St Davids Conservation Area was under threat of losing its historic qualities due to minor changes being made to houses.

National Park Authority Building Conservation Officer Rob Scourfield said: “Under existing planning policy, homeowners in Conservation Areas can make minor changes to their property through ‘permitted development rights’.

“Local planning authorities can remove certain permitted development rights and as a result of the concerns highlighted in the recent review, the Park Authority is proposing to remove the most relevant permitted development rights on dwellings in the St Davids Conservation Area.

“The Authority’s proposals (known as Directions) would mean that alterations to windows, doors, hard-standings and front boundary walls, gates and fences would require planning permission.”

When a planning application is submitted for these changes, the Authority will decide whether the proposal is acceptable.

“The loss of small details within our historic towns and villages – removed or altered under householders permitted development – can often affect their character,” added Rob.

“We are proposing these safeguards to ensure the built fabric of the St Davids Conservation Area is conserved for generations to come.”

The Authority is inviting comments on the Directions by November 17. Comments should be sent to the Development Management Section via email to dc@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk or via post to the National Park Offices, Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6DY.