A NEW premises licence has been granted for a beach front restaurant in Saundersfoot.

The application came before Pembrokeshire County Council’s licensing sub-committee last Wednesday.

The Coast Cafe and Bistro is a new project from the team behind The Grove in Narberth, and forms part of a major redevelopment scheme at Copper Hall.

Addressing the committee Zoe Agar said: “It is currently being built with the planned opening on April 14, just before Easter.

“On the ground floor there is a water sports shop, a kiosk, changing rooms and toilets, and on the first floor a restaurant, small bar area and terrace.

“We’ve managed to sign upcoming chef Will Holland who’s been on TV. He will have nine chefs in his team, while front of house will have 10 to 12 staff.”

The sticking point of the application was the siting of a marquee to the north west of the main building. Concerns were raised from the committee about noise levels during functions.

Councillor Tony Brinsden said: “Within 20 to 30 metres of the site there are lived-in houses. There’s not much sound-proofing in marquee walls.”

Ms Agar said: “It depends on the sort of event, for instance we might use it for a Christmas market fair.”

When they do hold music events, she assured that they would talk to residents in advance.

“We do not want to be a pain in the backsides for local residents” she said.

Ms Agar added that the marquee was just there to boost winter profits, and that the main focus of their business would be the restaurant.

After an hour of deliberations, the committee decided to grant the licence subject to a few modifications on the hours of music and alcohol consumption.