Plans for Major Revamp at Popular Welsh Beach Set for Approval
A proposal to enhance access to a beloved Welsh beach is on track for approval. The Pembrokeshire national park is spearheading a project to revamp the car park at Newport Sands, introducing additional parking spaces, beach access ramps, and upgraded public conveniences. The upcoming development management committee meeting on December 4 is expected to greenlight the initiative, which includes plans for the demolition and replacement of the existing public convenience block, the creation of an access ramp and steps to the south slipway, the construction of a beach wheelchair storage building, and various upgrades to the current car park setup on Golf Course Road at Newport Sands PCNP Car Park.
The proposed enhancements aim to address the growing demand and safety concerns at Newport Sands, with an additional 52 car parking spaces set to be added to the existing 43, including more disabled parking spots. Following the Authority’s decision to make Newport Sands a car-free zone last May, except for essential services like emergency responders and essential car users such as the RNLI and coastguards, a petition was launched advocating for a revision of the ban due to its potential negative impact on a diverse range of beach visitors, especially those with disabilities. Despite the calls for a reversal, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s authority opted to maintain the car-free status while exploring ways to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
An online public consultation was conducted between October and November last year to gather feedback on the future of Traeth Mawr, with 107 responses received. In March, members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s authority reviewed the proposals outlined in the application, estimating the project costs to be around £330-£350,000. According to a report presented to the committee ahead of the December meeting, the planned improvements at Newport Sands aim to elevate visitor services by providing better beach access, well-defined parking bays and pedestrian areas, upgraded public conveniences, and enhanced landscaping throughout the site. The addition of a changing places facility, beach wheelchair storage, and a new access ramp is expected to facilitate improved access for wheelchair users, aligning with the objective of safeguarding the National Park’s distinctive characteristics while delivering appropriate enhancements to this vital community facility.
In response to concerns about limited mobile reception affecting the payment process via phone apps, the proposal includes the provision of contactless card payment options. The committee report affirms that the overall scheme will elevate and enrich the visitor experience at the popular Newport Sands car park, offering improved beach access, structured parking zones, upgraded facilities, and enhanced landscaping. Consequently, the proposed redevelopment is deemed acceptable in terms of scale, design, and functionality, aiming to uphold the unique attributes of the National Park while delivering practical improvements to this significant community asset.
The imminent approval of the revitalisation initiative at Newport Sands underscores the commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while enhancing visitor amenities and accessibility. The forthcoming enhancements are poised to elevate the overall experience for beachgoers and ensure that Newport Sands remains a cherished destination for locals and tourists alike. Stay tuned for further updates as the project progresses and prepares to redefine the beachfront landscape at Newport Sands.