Tenby Civic Society have voiced their concerns over a housing extension at a property where trees have already been removed before the planning application has been determined.

The plans for a two storey rear extension and fenestration alterations, at a property at St David’s Close, were recently discussed by Tenby Civic Society’s executive committee who stated that they were concerned at procedures for the application.

“Trees have been removed before the application could be decided, to make way for a new house not included in the application!” stated Harry Gardiner, the Society’s planning sub-committee chair.

“The application’s ‘tree report’ notes that healthy trees worth retaining will have to be removed because their RPAs (Root Protection Area) are compromised by the position of the new house, no details of which are shown.

“This appears to stem from pre-application advice that the house plot can accommodate another new house; that may indeed be practicable, but procedures have got back to front not following the usual standards.

“The Committee felt that the application for a second house should have been submitted first and considered carefully against the positions of the trees; not a matter in the hands of the tree surveyor. There is no question that the abandoned condition of the plot and house need renovation.

“The Committee feel that matters of planning concern like this will have to be stated more firmly,” added Mr. Gardiner, with the views of the Civic Society to be passed on for recommendation to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Members of Tenby Town Council last week voted to approve the application.