PROPOSALS to locate a HGV tanker park in Pembroke Dock have been described as ‘out of order’ by councillors.
The proposed location of the site is on land at Criterion Way, behind the Asda petrol station, but it has been met with objection from a number of councillors and locals.
Councillors also said that the proposed site was the wrong location, adding that there were a number of suitable alternatives.
After a lengthy debate at a meeting of the Planning Committee on Tuesday (Feb 8), councillors voted that they were minded to refuse the application.
Officers will now look at grounds for refusal before bringing it back to a future meeting of the committee.
Pembroke Dock Town Council had previously voiced their objections to the plans while at a previous meeting of the Planning committee, members voted to visit the site.
Cllr George Manning spoke again on behalf of the Town Council while Cllr Paul Dowson also expressed his concerns about the plans.
Asked about the types of lorries that could use the road, Cllr Dowson said that both types of the vehicles would ‘tear up the road surface’.
He also said that it would ‘hamper’ the efforts of those who currently work next to the proposed site.
Speaking passionately against the proposal, Cllr Brian Hall said: “I cannot understand the statement from the agent who says there are serious concerns if they cannot find a place. There are far more serious concerns for the people of the town.
“There has been no consideration for the people of Pembroke Dock. The Port Authority have had meetings with the Town Council and they have said they want to work with the town council and that they want to be good for the town. This is totally opposite, it is out of order, nobody really wants it here.
“I cannot believe that they haven’t looked sufficiently for other sites. This is total greed by the Port Authority, they don’t give a damn for the people of the town. I will move refusal of this, it is totally out of order.”
That was seconded by Cllr Tony Wilcox who said he agreed with what had already been said and added it was an ‘environmental hazard waiting to happen’.
“This is the wrong spot, they haven’t done their homework. The Kingswood site is absolutely ideal.”
Committee chair, Cllr Jacob Williams said it was his view that the proposed site was the wrong location and said he couldn’t see why there was a need to have empty tankers on that site.
Councillors heard from the agent who said there was no plan B and were told that it could lead to an appeal if they were to refuse it.
Cllr Hall said if it did there would be a petition signed by many people in Pembroke Dock and that this would cause ‘all sorts of problems’.
Other councillors said they were finding it difficult to decide but were minded to go with a refusal having heard what had been said.
Cllr David Pugh added: “We’ve got ourselves in a bit of a pickle with this one. I didn’t have a lot of concerns about the site itself but having listened to what has been said, on balance, I think this is the wrong location for this enterprise. I do support the ‘minded to refuse’ decision and hope that the agents might reconsider the alternatives. I have been struggling with this, it is a very difficult choice.”
Cllr Vic Dennis said it would basically be a big car park and that it wouldn’t bring much economic benefit to the town.
Before the vote was taken, Cllr Hall thanked members for their support.
Twelve members voted that they were minded to refuse the application, with one councillor abstaining.
