Developers behind plans to turn an historic Tenby landmark into a visitor attraction have thanked the local community for its support after the scheme was unanimously given the go-ahead this week by members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's development management committee.

"The support of the local community has wonderfully boosted the St. Catherine's Island team," said applicant Peter Prosser following the decision on Wednesday.

"A huge thank you goes to the 800 people who wrote to the planning committee in support of the project and to those who supported us through this complex process.

"The help and advice and messages of support have all been fantastic and to have messages of support coming in whilst sitting at the committee meeting was hugely reassuring.

"Having had the application deferred a month ago by essentially a process issue, Chris Lawrence, of Natural Resources Wales, stepped up to the plate and helped enormously.

"National Park planning officer Caroline Bowen-Philips managed to resolve all the issues to enable Wednesday's successful transition.

"The application is now to have the conditions associated with it agreed and then the application will be complete," he continued.

The application was a resubmission of a proposal for works comprising the restoration and conversion of the island's fort which sits alongside Castle Beach.

The plans will see the provision of new buildings to provide supporting facilities/services, and the improvement of access to and on the island.

Speaking at the development management committee meeting, member Clr. Michael Williams, of Tenby, said that the island had been criminally neglected for some years and it was great to see that this beautiful landmark was finally being brought back into viable use.

He told the meeting that he had some concerns about the operating hours though and felt that midnight was too late, as the priority should be to look after the welfare of the people living close to the attraction, but he gave his thumbs up to the development, as long as the conditions were to be strictly monitored and enforced.

Fellow Tenby representative Clr. Mike Evans agreed and said that it was good news that an iconic building was being brought back into use in Tenby.

"It's important to get things right as this will impact on the town and residents, so noise and light are the two most important conditions that need to be looked at as those living nearby are entitled to their right to peace and quiet," he remarked.

Members of the development management committee agreed that the application be delegated to the Park's chief executive and director of Park direction and planning or head of development management, to grant planning permission for the scheme subject to a number of conditions.

Mr. Prosser told the Observer that the 'great news' means that they will now be able to develop and progress their plans for the island and fort.

"Having met with a number of people who are passionate about the island and are keen to be involved in what we are doing, we would like to extend this invitation, so if you have ideas, or would like to work with the team or have a particular interest please get in touch," he said.

"Likewise, should people have concerns about what we are doing, they are welcome to meet the team and help us shape St Catherine's future.

"It is hoped that the island and fort will now be able to take its place in the community as it has previously and share the beauty, excitement and life of this fantastic place with Tenby residents and visitors alike. Thirty-eight years of closed doors is coming to an end!" added Mr. Prosser.

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