Plan for seafood restaurant near top Welsh beach approved
A new seafood restaurant is set to open in a Pembrokeshire seaside village after the planners gave the go-ahead
Saundersfoot Harbour
(Image: John Myers )
A proposal to transform a vacant unit at Pembrokeshire's flagship Marine Centre of Excellence into a high-quality seafood restaurant has been approved by the national park.
Rhianwen Lane of Catch Cymru, based in Red Roses, submitted an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for a change of use of Unit 21, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot, to a food and drink establishment with indoor seating and takeaway facilities. The plan received backing from Saundersfoot Community Council.
A supporting statement said: "Catch Cymru is an established independent seafood business based in Carmarthen with a strong reputation for high-quality takeaway seafood.
"As a result of the success and demand for our current operation we are now looking to expand by opening a second restaurant in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire.
"Our aim for this new shop is not only to replicate our successful takeaway model but also to enhance the customer experience by providing a unique seaside dining experience that will appeal to both locals and tourists alike.
"In addition to our existing offerings of fried fish and chips the Saundersfoot restaurant will offer a broader menu, including seasonal grilled and barbecued fish, fresh salads, and a variety of side dishes to cater to a wider demographic to include halloumi fries, corn on the cob etc.
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"This expansion will also allow us to continue our popular takeaway service while providing a casual dine-in atmosphere with a drinks menu that features locally-sourced beers and IPAs." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
The application says that a standout selection on the dog-friendly eatery's menu will be 'catch of the day' specials "based on the freshest seafood available from the local harbour" designed to offer patrons "a unique experience and encourage repeat visits knowing that we support local fishermen".
The venue aims to introduce live music sets from local talent on select weekends, especially in high season and bank holidays, to "help create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that encourages customers to linger, enjoy their food and drinks, but most importantly return for more".
An officer's report endorsing the project explained that the proposed alteration of an existing chandlery from A1 (shop) to A3 (food and drink) "will ensure that the vacant unit within the Marine Centre of Excellence is brought back into use and positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour".
Previously granted planning permission in 2016, the Marine Centre of Excellence has been subject to conditions limiting retail space and its function.
The document includes a viability statement from Saundersfoot Harbour Authority which "detailed how the unit was no longer viable for A1/A2 use and that an A3 use would add life and energy to this prime waterfront setting".
The statement concluded: "The proposed development will have no adverse impact on the special qualities of the national park and will positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour.
"A seafood business would fit within the character of the seafront at the Marine Centre of Excellence and will bring a vacant unviable retail unit back into use providing a benefit to the community and local economy."
Park planners gave conditional approval to the application.
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