Cresswell Quay Proposed Conservation Area

Cresswell Quay is a village of exceptional historical importance for its very early role as a coal port, retaining many buildings of high architectural and archaeological merit.

Under Section 69 of the 1990 Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act, Local Planning Authorities have a duty to designate and review Conservation Areas (Areas of Special Architectural or Historic Interest).

At the National Park Authority’s meeting on 24 July 2024, it was considered that Cresswell Quay and its immediate environs should be designed as a Conservation Area along with the fourteen already existing within the National Park Authority. (Link below will take you to a map of the proposed area)

The principal effects of Conservation Area designation are:

a) We must pay special attention in carrying out our duties as preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the area, and must prepare and publish proposals for its preservation and enhancement.

b) We must give publicity to planning applications for development which would affect the character or appearance of the area and take into account representations received as a result of publicity; and

c) It becomes an offence subject to certain exceptions to cut down, top, lop, uproot or wilfully damage or destroy any tree in the area except with the consent of the Local Planning Authority;

d) Conservation Area Consent will be required for the demolition of all unlisted buildings (other than excepted buildings) in the area – over 115 cubic metres.

Given the existing limits of householder permitted development rights across the National Park, in effect the only restrictions within the extended area apply to demolition and trees. The purpose of designation is not to prevent change but to manage it in ways that maintain or strengthen the area’s special qualities.

Any extra controls (such as Article 4(2) Directions withdrawing certain permitted development rights) form a separate process to the proposed Conservation Area.

The National Park Authority will be hosting a drop in event at Pisgah Chapel Schoolroom on Thursday 8 August between 3pm – 7pm to answer any queries in person.

Please complete the Cresswell Quay Questionnaire with your views on the proposed options. Alternatively, representations could be made in writing to the Strategic Policy Team, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, SA72 6DY or by email to devplans@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk.

The consultation period will run until 5 p.m. on Monday, 23 September 2024.