Plans to turn a former school building in Haverfordwest to a motorcycle showroom have been submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council.

An application by Noel Davies of Merlin Autos Wales Ltd seeks to change the use of the former Castle School Building, Snowdrop Lane, Haverfordwest to the showroom, which also includes an ancillary on-site café.

The vacant site was previously been used for cookery and teaching provision for the former independent Castle School. Before that it was the RAOB Lodge and Snowdrop Bar.

A supporting statement through agent Ian Bartlett Planning and Architectural Services says: “The submitted scheme is required to relocate to sustain the viability of the existing business operation Merlin Motorcycles.

“Since its inception, the company has experienced steady growth and has outgrown its current premises. Recently, the installation of double yellow lines on the highway outside the Prendergast site has posed challenges in terms of parking and customer accessibility. The lack of space in the current location limits the amount of stock that can be displayed and stored on site.”

It adds: “Given the nature of motorcycle sales, the enterprise requires a level vehicular double-door access that is not readily available to any existing vacant retail premises in Haverfordwest.

“The site also provides the opportunity to offer an ancillary on-site café serving hot and cold beverages, cakes and light lunches. It is not proposed to offer hot food, and the café would not operate independently from the retail sales aspect of the enterprise, providing a service primarily to customers visiting for motorcycle sales.

“As motorcycle lifestyle brands increasingly leverage their physical retail spaces to incorporate in-store cafes, this move aligns with the evolving trends in the industry and offers opportunities for community engagement.”

The proposal will be considered by county planners at a later date.