South Quay Development

Allied Land, the Council's preferred developer for the South Quay, presented an exhibition of their ideas in Pembroke Town Hall on 4th and 5th March.

All our trustees visited the exhibition and the proposals were discussed at their quarterly meeting on 5th March.  See below for their comments.

Keep an eye on this page - we will inform you of any developments!

The Proposed Plans

(Click on the thumbnail for an enlarged image)

Proposed Elevation of South Quay
Second Floor Plan Third Floor Plan
Third Floor Level - Car Park Option Fourth Floor Level  

Comments on Pembroke South Quay Proposals from Directors/Trustees

Concerns:

  • All expressed concern at the high density of the proposals for this sensitive and historic site.  Trustees feel strongly that this site is too important to be dominated by three story inappropriate development.  The Castle is one of the finest in Wales and was the birth place of Henry Tudor.  It should not be surrounded by high density flats.  The medieval burgage plots should also be retained as part of our heritage. 
  • Trustees are clear that the Development Principles must be adhered to and that the area must not be overdeveloped. 
  • They believe that the proposals do not conform with the Joint Unitary Development Plan in terms of setting and character, preservation and enhancement of a conservation area, and will have an adverse effect on the integrity, coherence or character of a landscape of historic interest.  In addition it adversely affects the appearance, character and local amenity value of an area of public open space. 
  • They feel that the number of high quality housing/flats proposed are not viable, even as holiday lets.  The flats on the North Quay have not sold. 
  • Environmentally the high density proposals will increase pressure on the Castle Pond where there are already problems with the mains sewers on the north side.  It is not unusual to see raw sewage pouring into the pond from that side.
  • Any housing/flats on the site should be affordable for local people not aimed at people from away who will only use them as holiday lets. 
  • They are concerned at the word “maximise” the potential for retail, commercial etc.  This sensitive area should not be crammed with commercial buildings.
  • They are concerned about increased pressure on parking and traffic. 
  • They are concerned about the planned encroachment into the South Quay car parking area.  This is a valuable open space in the centre of the town where people gather to hold sailing/boating events, the Pembroke Festival, concerts, markets and events such as the National Canoe Polo Competition.  They would prefer to see this site opened up as a much used amenity and vibrant centre to the town.
  • The proposal to rebuild the old Mill on the Mill Bridge is wholly opposed for several reasons:
    • It will block the unique view of the castle from the Mill Bridge, which is now blocked from Bush Hill due to the North Quay development
    • It will obstruct the wonderful vista of the Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve from the east to west of the Main Pond with the Castle at the far end. 
    • It will take up yet another open space that has been used as a market and would be more used if it was properly landscaped.  There are plans locally to put a statue of Henry VII on the bridge. 
    • It will cause problems for the many swans on the ponds. 
    • It will put huge pressure on the traffic on the bridge. 
  • There appears to be nothing in the proposals for local people, neither housing, amenity nor open space.  Pembroke 21C have long proposed use of part of the site for a museum or cultural centre at the heart of the town. 
  • Finally they do not believe that the proposals are sympathetic to the setting and character of the castle or the town, or to the Pembroke Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve.   Pembroke has evolved over 900 years of history which must to be borne in mind by any developer of this site.   

Positive suggestions:

  • They are keen to see the houses in Castle Terrace refurbished and access to the Castle improved. 
  • There is a suggestion from the Pembroke Mill Ponds Action Group for a fish ladder under the Mill Bridge and an otter slide. 
  • They would like to see the open spaces improved and made more accessible for local people to use. 
  • Any development should be low level and in keeping with the surroundings, especially the Castle. 
  • The development should be designed with the local community at its heart but also needs to be something that is special and has not been replicated elsewhere. 
  • Most importantly, residents of Pembroke must be continually consulted throughout the development and planning process. 

Trustees of Pembroke 21C Community Association

20th March 2008

 

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