AFTER MONTHS of debate, the go-ahead has been given for Tenbys new £3 million lifeboat station to carry on the proud tradition of the RNLI in the resort.

The plans for the station were recently given a design makeover in the hope that the controversial building - in one of the most prominent locations in Britain - would become more acceptable to its critics. The proposed stations bulk, together with the lack of recognition of its maritime position and function, were highlighted as the main points against the appearance of the building.

However, revised plans recently presented to a meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authoritys development control committee appear to have resolved the design argument.

Members at Wednesdays meeting agreed to delegate officers to grant full consent on the receipt of final detailed drawings based on these plans. The committee was told that National Park officers believed that while this is still undoubtedly a very large building in a very special and prominent location, the design proposed is of an acceptable standard. It was hoped that the new building would become as much a part of the landscape as the existing boat house has been.

The new station, off Castle Hill on the site of the former Royal Victoria Pier, will be the RNLIs first new station of the millennium. It is needed to house the new generation of larger, faster and heavier slipway craft, currently undergoing sea trials, and will also allow launching at any state of the tide.

Work on the development is scheduled to begin in Autumn 2002, with completion in Spring 2004.

The green light at last for Tenbys new £3m lifeboat station.