Having submitted its plans for a new Co-op supermarket on the former Brains Brewery site in Spring Gardens, developers, Actoris and Waterstone Estates, insist the proposed new store will enhance the existing town centre, rather than detract from it.

By offering 54 free short-stay parking spaces that link directly into the town, it is expected that the enhanced parking facilities will benefit Narberth town centre as a whole, with shoppers choosing to visit other facilities in addition to the supermarket.

The developer believes the site's location offers the convenience of a town-centre location, which will encourage shoppers to stay in the town to satisfy all their shopping needs, rather than defecting to other centres.

Matt Bryant, of Actoris, commented: "Narberth, quite rightly, prides itself on the quality and variety of its independent retailers.

"The addition of a larger convenience foodstore will add further variety to this mix and will allow shoppers to bulk shop locally in addition to visiting the High Street.

"By preventing the current leakage to Tenby, Haverfordwest or Carmarthen, we are confident that Narberth will thrive and prosper as a retail destination, catering for a variety of shoppers' needs."

Other benefits include the creation of around 50 new jobs locally and an easing of congestion through the enhanced parking provision.

Furthermore, the development complies with current government policy on sustainability by delivering local goods and services within the community and reducing dependence upon car travel.

The planning application was submitted in January and a formal decision is expected by the end of April.

If successful, work could begin on site by June, with the Co-op store open for trading by December.