Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has rejected the first stage of a 36-home scheme near Saundersfoot, following community council objections.

The application by EE7 Properties Ltd concerned Penny Farm, Fan Road consisted of an outline scheme for three two-storey houses, a full application for the conversion of an existing two-storey building into two apartments, a full application for construction of two-storey accommodation block containing two apartments and associated works.

A supporting statement through agent JCR Planning Ltd reads: “It needs to be emphasised that the application site is a residential allocation in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Local Development Plan 2 – HA4 Penny Farm – 36 units. This application represents the first phase of the allocated site’s development.”

It adds: “The existing North Close access will serve three dwellings and two apartments, whilst the Fan Road access will serve one apartment. Future phases of the site’s development will involve significant alterations to the Fan Road access.”

The application promised the delivery of key accommodation in a manner “both respectful and responsive to the adjoining and surrounding urban area,” with each unit served by a series of amenity spaces, including private and secure areas, and sufficient car parking.

“A portion of Phase 1 will be served by an extension of North Close estate road and will not result in any detriment to highway safety for existing or proposed users.”

Nine objections to the scheme raised issues including access, lack of affordable housing, highway safety, and increased traffic.

Saundersfoot Community Council unanimously objected to the scheme in its current form; 20 members of the public attended a recent meeting to raise their own concerns.

In its objection, the community council said it was understood that 14 affordable dwellings were to be included in the development, but the submitted Planning Statement and A Design and Access Statement make no mention of any affordable housing. “Subject to an appropriate affordable housing element in the development then the council does not object to the development in principle.”

However, councillors also expressed concerns over site access, the health and safety risks to children from increased traffic and the existing sewage system in the area “already inadequate to cope with the current properties”, urging the applicant to withdraw the current scheme “and resubmit correcting the above defects”.

An officer report recommending refusal said: “It is stated that for this site, a traffic impact assessment would be required to ensure capacity at new and existing junctions and that affordable housing should be included within the scheme.

“There are also requirements in terms of a financial contribution towards the provision of a footway/ footpath route to Saundersfoot Railway Station; that informal open space be provided on site; and a financial contribution for Local Equipped Area for Play and Neighbourhood Equipped Area,” the report added.

The application was refused on the grounds that it lacked details of affordable housing, contained insufficient information to determine the development’s impact upon highway safety, and proposed an apartment block design out of keeping with the neighbourhood.