Revised Haverfordwest visitor attraction plans backed

Revised smaller scale plans to convert a grade II-listed former prison in Haverfordwest to provide new visitor attraction facilities have been given the go-ahead.Last April, Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee approved the proposed scheme at the former county gaol building, which was built in 1820, and is adjacent to Haverfordwest Castle.A report for the committee said the amended plans are a “product of the constraints” placed on the developable area due to the findings of an archaeological evaluation that was undertaken since the application previously went before it.It said the amended proposal is reduced such that it primarily sits within the footprint of the existing building.There are concurrent undetermined applications for listed building consent and for scheduled monument consent, the latter submitted to and to be determined by CADW.Pembrokeshire County Council is proposing the building be converted and extended to provide a range of visitor facilities. This includes ticketing, exhibition space, technical support and storage spaces, shop, an education centre and a café as well as staff, administration and ancillary facilities.An element of demolition is proposed, with the scheme forming part of a wider strategy to improve and refurbish the castle site.The existing car park would be retained and resurfaced with a permeable surface.The zone in front of the southern façade and access to the inner bailey is proposed to have a new surface treatment. This is intended to provide amenity space for visitors and a zone where free-standing benches and external furniture can be provided to support the proposed café.In the 1960s, the building was extensively remodelled to provide accommodation for the county archive, with it lying vacant for a number of years.Within the Conservation Area surrounding the building is the designated Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) that comprises the castle, also grade I-listed.