The Planning Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Thursday 22 October 2026 to determine several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a new convenience store in Tycroes, the deferral of a decision on a One Planet Development application in Cwmbach pending further discussion, and the refusal of a proposal to convert a chapel in Burry Port into a residential dwelling due to flood risk concerns. The committee received and noted the appeals report.

Convenience Store Approved in Tycroes

The committee approved the demolition of existing redundant buildings at 6-8 Ammanford Road, Tycroes, and their replacement with a ground-floor convenience store with an ATM and associated parking. The application, submitted by CK's Supermarket, was recommended for approval by officers, who concluded it would enhance local retail provision and redevelop a vacant brownfield site. Despite numerous objections from residents concerning highway safety, parking, noise, and impact on existing businesses, the council's Head of Transportation & Highways and Planning Ecology raised no objections, subject to conditions. A £5,000 contribution will be secured via a Section 106 agreement towards parking restrictions on Tycroes Road.

One Planet Development Application Deferred

A decision on the application for a One Planet Development at Maesfenni, Cwmbach, Whitland, was deferred to allow for further discussions. The proposal sought to replace two residential caravans with two permanent bungalows and a storage shed. Officers recommended refusal, citing conflicts with Policy H4 of the Local Development Plan regarding replacement dwellings in the open countryside and the temporary nature of caravans. However, local member Councillor Jean Lewis argued for approval, highlighting the established lawful residential use and the potential for environmental improvements. The committee agreed to defer the decision to allow for further discussions with the developer, particularly regarding the rescission of the certificate of lawfulness for the existing caravans.

Chapel Conversion in Burry Port Refused

The committee refused the application to change the use of Bethany Welsh Chapel, New Street, Burry Port, into a single residential dwelling. Officers recommended refusal due to significant flood risk concerns, with the site located within Flood Zone 3 (Rivers and Sea). This was contrary to national planning policy (TAN 15) and local policies (SP2 and GP1) which restrict highly vulnerable development in such areas. Additionally, the applicant had not provided sufficient information to demonstrate nutrient neutrality for the Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and had failed to submit a Bat Survey or Green Infrastructure Statement, leading to a holding objection from Planning Ecology. Councillor John James, the local member, spoke in favour of the application, citing the success of local flood defences and the benefit of reusing a vacant building, but this was not enough to overturn the officer's recommendation.

Appeals Report Noted

The committee received and noted the Planning Appeals Report, which detailed lodged appeals, appeals in progress, and appeals determined between 14 September and 11 October 2026. The report indicated that two appeals had been dismissed since the last meeting.

Minutes Approved

The minutes of the previous Planning Committee meeting held on 25 September 2026 were signed as a correct record.