Plans have been lodged for  a major new development scheme for Tenby, with the site of the fire-ravaged Royal Gatehouse Hotel at its heart.

This Easter will see the second anniversary of the devastating blaze that ripped through the seafront hotel, which is now demolished and fenced off.

The new plans for the site, its adjoining properties, Tenby's cinema and The Royal Lion Hotel have been submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority by South Terrace Properties Ltd, a Dovey Group company.

A redevelopment application for the same properties was made last year by Dovey Estates Ltd and landowner Graham Fry. Its design failed to find favour with town councillors and the plans were later withdrawn at the request of the National Park authority after further information which was requested was not forthcoming.

The designs for this latest multi-million pound scheme follow detailed discussions with authority officials and the Design Commission for Wales. It proposes a 'prestigious landmark building' on the Gatehouse site, with a 68-bed hotel, retail space, on-site parking and 39 apartments.

"The building will provide an example of seaside architecture being preserved and enhanced," said a spokesman for the applicants.

Fifteen luxury apartments and ground floor retail units are planned for the Royal Lion Hotel, with 12 apartments on land at Clifton Rock on Greenhill Road and a 'new commercial development' at the Royal Playhouse Cinema, where the listed facade will be retained.

South Terrace Properties has pledged to work closely with Pembrokeshire College during the construction to provide much-needed opportunities for apprentices across a variety of trades.

Said college principal Glyn Jones: "We are delighted that the developer recognises the important role that Pembrokeshire College can play in helping provide the skills necessary."