An application to turn Milford Haven’s former Natwest bank into flats has been refused.

Pembrokeshire County Council planning officers refused permission for the application for a change of use of the ground floor of the building on Hamilton Terrance from a bank to two, two-bedroom, self contained flats.

No external alterations to the building are proposed in the application, only internal alterations to accommodate the proposed use.

The building’s location in the town centre means it is considered to be on secondary retail frontage within the a ‘hub town’ and a change of use to residential use was contrary to planning policy.

The two upper floors of the building were granted permission to be made into flats in 2015, with this latest application having the support of Milford Haven Town Council.

However, planning officers found it was “not appropriate for its location” and would not meet sustainability aims to protect the vitality of the defined town centre.