Luxury spa hotel approved for Tenby, despite market traders' concerns

Approved plans to change part of Tenby’s market and former town hall, and the nearby former TP Hughes department store to a luxury spa hotel, restaurant and café could be completed in just 18 months despite concerns from local traders.
In an application recommended for conditional approval at the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee, Bassett Crockford Holdings Ltd sought permission for a change of use the former TP Hughes/ M&Co store and a part change of use of the council-owned market hall and former town hall to a spa hotel, restaurant and cafe/bar, with associated extensions and alterations at 12 High Street and Old Town Hall and Market Hall.
The development for a new hotel extends across two buildings; the 20 hotel rooms will be located within the remaining upper floors of the existing M & Co buildings, and two new roof extensions in a mansard form to accommodate further hotel space.
The spa would be located at first floor level of the town hall aspect, and into the market’s first floor.
Further facilities in the form of a café will be linked to the hotel reception area at ground floor with additional toilet facilities and bicycle storage provided within the basement level. The proposed restaurant will be accommodated within the southern building.
The scheme was supported by Tenby Town Council, subject to conditions including the protection of existing market operations, and an agreed action plan for integration with potential refurbishment of the market. Tenby Civic Society raised concerns though about the spa/fitness suite having an impact on the running of the market traders’ businesses.
Concerns have previously been raised about the impact on existing market traders during construction both in terms of noise and dust during works and a potential temporary market closure for construction work to be undertaken, with one trader speaking on their behalf at the April 9 meeting.
They said that while the market itself – believed to be the oldest in Wales – was ‘flourishing’ despite the building being in need of renovation, there had been a lack of reassurance and feedback from Pembrokeshire County Council, as landlords of the hall, as the proposed scheme progressed.
They stressed there was no objection to the neighbouring hotel but to the the potential impact on the market operations through the upstairs spa development.