Huge multi-million pound plans to transform Milford Haven waterfront were given the green light today (Tuesday, June 26).

A masterplan for the sea front area developed by the Port of Milford Haven includes commercial space, residential and leisure buildings as well as enhancing the existing fishing facilities.

In a revised plan to one approved in 2015 the Port has taken a ‘new direction’ with a focus on leisure and residential provision rather than a large food store.

The new masterplan also retains the Grade II listed former dockyard office and will see it developed to include an auditorium.

Outline planning for more than 26,000 square metres of retail space to be created along with up to 190 apartments and 70 additional marina berths was approved, along with a number of conditions.

Also planned are two hotels, a restaurant and a pedestrian bridge linking the two marina sections along with developed links with the town centre.

Development director at the Port, Neil Jenkins, addressed Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee.

“There’s quite a shift from being a retail led scheme to leisure led,” he said, with the plans backed by considerable feasibility studies.

He also told members that hundreds of jobs will be created by the scheme, both in the construction stage and once completed with millions pumped into the local economy,.

Mr Jenkins said that around £15.7million would be generated each year,  with £6.1 million staying in Pembrokeshire and “around £9million in Milford Haven.”

An significant increase in visitors to the area – around 300,000 to 400,000 – is also predicted once the masterplan is in place with a draft phasing strategy over eight years predicted.

Concerns were raised on behalf of objectors in the Hakin area overlooking part of the development.

Mari-Clare Mason Chambers told the committee that the hight of residential units was not clear and there were concerns about loss of privacy and subsidence as well as separate issues with traffic and access.

The units will be two-storey height but it is not yet shown where they will be placed on a sloping site.

Full details of design and placement for all of the development will come back to planning committee for reserved matters approval.

Councillor David Pugh said: “I think the leisure based proposal is much more suitable. I think it’s a major improvement and a major project for the county. I welcome it.”