NATIONAL Park planning officers admitted they made a mistake when approving applications from one of their own members.

Cllr Mike Evans, who sits on the Development Management Committee, had submitted four applications for the Hope & Anchor Inn on St Julians Street, Tenby.

He sought listed building consent to make various alterations, which officers went ahead and approved outside the scheme of delegation.

As Cllr Evans is a National Park member the applications should have automatically been sent to the Development Management Committee.

The applications therefore came back to be ratified by the committee on Wednesday, March 9.

“Officers made a mistake and it was largely my mistake” admitted case officer Rob Scourfield.

Among Cllr Evans’ proposals were to demolish the pub’s existing rear kitchen and extensions and replace them with a new kitchen, toilets and staircase arrangement on the ground and first floors.

He also wanted to install new windows and fire exit door.

“It’s always been a grotty place,” joked committee member David Ellis after Cllr Evans declared an interest and left the room.

He added: “The plan is very attractive and I congratulate them on coming up with a first-rate design.”

The committee was unanimous in approving the applications and afterwards Cllr Mike James suggested they all go to the pub when the work was finished for a “site inspection."