Royal Dockyard Pembroke - The Reason that Pembroke Dock Exists - 4

 Heritage Under Threat - 4 (A Blighted View)

This post is very straight forward. Below are a series of views generated using SketchUp 3D modelling software and Google Earth for PC. Both pieces of software are free to use. I have also used a website called Hey! What's That! that allows you to produce viewsheds of particular locations and heights.

A viewshed is the area visible form a particular location. This area also shows the points from which the centre of origin of the viewshed is visible. More information here.

The viewsheds shown are theoretical and do not allow for buildings and trees. I feel sure that you will get my drift!

These diagrams are intended to show the visual effect of  the proposals that Milford Haven Port Authority have to infill and bury  the Timber Pond (listed Grade 2) and the Graving Dock (Listed Grade 2*) at Pembroke Dockyard to enable the speculative construction of massive, 40 metre high fabrication sheds. These will dominate the views around the dockyard, the town of Pembroke Dock and, as these pictures show, a much wider area. The proposal is within  the Pembroke Dock Conservation Area and within the Milford Haven Landscape of Outstanding Historical Interest.

The following images show the visibility of either the 40 metre shed to be built over the Graving Dock or the 40 metre shed built over the Timber Pond (or both). I have selected a height at just under 40 metres above ground level at the centre of each proposed building.

The first diagram is a key to the dockyard buildings as shown on each the following pictures.

Key

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

My next post will show other images from closer quarters that will demonstrate the inappropriate nature of this proposal.

See also:

Royal Dockyard Pembroke - The Reason that Pembroke Dock Exists - 1

Royal Dockyard Pembroke - The Reason that Pembroke Dock Exists - 2

Royal Dockyard Pembroke - The Reason that Pembroke Dock Exists - 3

The usual plea to finish off....

Please do get involved and contact Pembrokeshire County Council with your views. Comments about the planning application can be made by following the instructions at the link below:

https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/planning-applications/commenting-on-applications

The planning application has the reference: 20/0732/PA

The official deadline for comments is: 22 January 2021  29 January 2021

However, there is a very strong case for extending this, as despite Milford Haven Port Authority's efforts to subvert the planning process by submitting the application at the start of the Christmas break, when everyone else has other things on their mind, there are several extenuating circumstances that should be taken into account.

• The application is for an outline consent, but contains so much detail that there is very little left for future consideration should the application be passed;
• There are over 120 documents submitted as part of the application. These could possibly be read on the PCC planning website, but are so mixed up, inappropriately labelled when downloaded that they make for very difficult and disjointed reading;
• Important information is missing from the application that would describe the overall impact of the scheme in a transparent way - for example the set of montage views from various viewpoints that show waht the sheds would look like when built - the view from Llanreath would be an interesting one!;
• The scheme is VERY speculative and there is little eidence of actual need for what is proposed;
• There are alternative sites that MHPA part own, some of which would directly support and utilise  local employers, that have not been given adequate consideration;
• If  alternative sites are used then this would open up the western dockyard as a wonderful tourism, heritage, boating and watersports venue - a truly all year stopover attraction on the way to Ireland;
• Working in partnership with another organisation (apart from PCC who are strategic partners , I believe) has not, as far as I am aware, been explored in any great depth. Remember, PCC is the planning authority who will decide on the outcome of this scheme;

More to follow.....within hours

Thanks - Keep safe and keep well!