Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is inviting comments on its plans to conserve the built heritage of Britain’s smallest city.

A recent review carried out by the Park Authority of its 14 Conservation Areas highlighted that the St Davids Conservation Area was under threat of losing its historic and conservation qualities due to minor changes being made to dwellings.

National Park Authority Building Conservation Officer Rob Scourfield said: “Under existing planning policy, homeowners in Conservation Areas can make minor changes to their property through ‘permitted development rights’.

“Local planning authorities can remove certain permitted development rights and as a result of the concerns highlighted in the recent review, the Park Authority is proposing to remove the most relevant permitted development rights on dwellings in the St Davids Conservation Area.

“The Authority’s proposals (known as Directions) would mean that alterations to windows, doors, hard-standings and front boundary walls, gates and fences would require planning permission.”

St Davids is one of most iconic and popular tourist attractions in the National Park and the Conservation Area plays an important part in conserving its appeal.

When a planning application is submitted for these changes, the Authority will decide whether the proposal is acceptable.

“The loss of small details within our historic towns and villages – removed or altered under householders permitted development – can often affect their character,” continued Rob.

“We are proposing these safeguards to ensure the built fabric of the St Davids Conservation Area is conserved for generations to come.”

The Directions do not apply to listed buildings, commercial properties or houses that do not front highways, waterways or open spaces, or elevations facing away from such locations.

The Authority has a duty to conserve the cultural heritage of the National Park as part of its statutory purposes, set out in the Environment Act 1995.

St Davids is just one of 14 Conservation Areas located throughout the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, from Newport in the north to Saundersfoot in the south.

The Authority is inviting comments on the Directions by November 17th 2014. Comments should be sent to the Development Management Section via email to dc@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk or via post to the National Park Offices, Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, SA72 6DY.

For more information on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Conservation Areas visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk and search ‘Conservation Areas.’