A scheme for temporary accommodation for specialist workers as part of the ongoing near-£32m Aberaeron coastal defence works, has been given the go-ahead despite a concern raised they would be housed close to a primary school.

The application, by Andrew Pointon-Bell of costal defence works construction works contractors BAM Nuttall says the units, for workers involved in the near-£32m Aberaeron coastal defence works scheme, would be placed within an existing temporary site compound below the Penmorfa county council offices car park, Aberaeron.

A report before Ceredigion County Council’s July 10 development management committee, where the application was recommended for approval, said one comment of concern had been received on behalf of Aberaeron Primary School.

“We have concerns that the accommodation block would be too close to the school perimeter. The children will be outside very often and there are potential safeguarding issues which may occur. To be within such close proximity of the school we would expect to have an enhanced DBS check.

“We already know that many of our families are very concerned after seeing the report via social media. It would have been wise to inform the school of the proposals before they hit the social media websites, so that we could prepare ourselves for the enquires which ensued.”

In its application justification statement BAM Nuttall says: “BAM Nuttall have planning permission to set up a temporary office compound with associated offices and welfare. As part of these works, we will require a specialist workforce who will travel to the scheme due to its remote location, in addition to our local labour.

“This application is to add overnight units to an already agreed temporary site accommodation layout.”

It says the site working hours pattern, of 7am-7pm, will allow the workers to have adequate rest breaks and also comply with the requirement for a minimum period of 11 hours break between shifts, adding: “Finding accommodation in Aberaeron locally, particularly in the summer months for the number of personnel on a shift-type basis is very difficult and not practical.”

Aberaeron County Councillor Cllr Elizabeth Evans, in a statement in support of the application, has said: “I am happy to support this application, subject to any conditions requested by the planning officers in making their determination. It is unusual for me to comment in advance of the submission of an application, but I am conscious of the need to ‘house’ the Bam workforce as the project proceeds.

“I am also aware that available accommodation within the town will now be less available due to seasonal bookings.”

At the committee meeting, members, who later approved the plans, heard the accommodation would be separated from the school grounds by a bund, with no views into the school; the units also being empty during the daytime.

The £31.59m Aberaeron Coastal Defence Scheme is funded through a £26.85m contribution from the Welsh Government’s Coastal Risk Management Programme, together with a £4.74m contribution from Ceredigion County Council.