The Planning Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Thursday 30 January 2025 to determine a range of planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a new convenience retail unit in Tumble, the regularisation of a gym use and marquee structure in Llanelli, and the change of use of a public house to residential dwellings in Llanedi. The committee also reviewed planning appeals and received an update on the Planning Service's performance for Quarter 3.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee considered several planning applications, with the following decisions made:

• PL/07363 - Proposed demolition of the existing garage and development of a convenience retail unit at Derlwyn Garage, Heol Y Neuadd, Tumble, Llanelli, SA14 6HS: This application was granted planning permission, subject to conditions including the receipt of a green infrastructure statement. The proposal involved demolishing the former garage and constructing a 389 sqm convenience retail unit. Concerns raised by local members and the community council included the need for another store, potential impact on local businesses, and traffic issues. However, the report concluded that competition is not a material planning consideration, and the proposed store's size did not warrant a retail impact assessment. Conditions were imposed to mitigate noise, manage construction, and ensure ecological enhancements.

• PL/07543 - Full planning permission to regularise existing gym use and the retrospective erection and retention of a marquee type structure at Hyve, Llanelli Gym, Llanelli, SA15 4AX: This application was granted planning permission. The proposal sought to regularise the existing gym use and retain a marquee structure. Objections primarily focused on noise pollution and increased parking traffic. The committee was advised that a noise-limiting device would be installed, and classes would be restricted to specific hours to mitigate noise impacts. Councillor S. Williams declared a personal interest as a member of the gym and left the meeting during its consideration.

• PL/07943 - Amphitheatre with associated seating at Land adjacent to Newcastle Emlyn Castle Car Park, Castle Street, Newcastle Emlyn, SA38 9EF: This application was granted planning permission. The proposal was for an outdoor amphitheatre with a capacity of 88 people, intended to boost tourism. Concerns were raised by residents regarding noise, light pollution, loss of privacy, traffic, and impact on wildlife. The committee noted that the revised proposal removed amplified noise and lighting, and events would be limited in frequency and timing. Conditions were imposed to manage construction traffic, facility management, event usage, and to prevent amplified sound.

• PL/08109 - Change of use of existing public house to residential dwelling and 2no. new detached dwellings in the car park area at Tafarn Y Deri, Ebenezer Road, Llanedi, Swansea, SA4 0YT: This application was granted planning permission. The proposal involved converting the existing public house into a single dwelling and constructing two new detached dwellings in the car park. A significant number of objections were received from the community, highlighting the pub's importance as a community hub and its role in local employment and charity events. However, the report detailed that planning permission for the conversion of the public house to a dwelling had already been granted under a previous application (PL/06651), and marketing evidence indicated the pub was not a thriving business. The new dwellings were considered acceptable in design and provided adequate parking and amenity space. Councillor T.M. Higgins attended to speak on the application.

• PL/08285 - Construction of a shed next to the boundary. Conversion of a storage room into one sleeping room and sleeping/living room. Creation of an emergency exit in a wall of the room at Mc Morgan Opticians, 44 Station Road, Burry Port, SA16 0LP: This application was granted planning permission. The proposal involved the retrospective construction of a shed and the conversion of internal rooms for staff accommodation. Concerns were raised by Pembrey and Burry Port Town Council regarding the safety of the emergency exit and the shed's location. The report concluded that the shed's siting did not obstruct any emergency exits and that the staff accommodation would not lead to overcrowding. Councillor E. Skinner declared an interest as living near the site and left the meeting during its consideration.

• PL/08451 - Variation of Condition 1 on S/38285 (Amend wording of condition 1 to allow for a further 5 years for the submission of reserved matters) at Land at North Dock, Llanelli, SA15 2LY: This application was granted planning permission. The application sought to extend the time limit for submitting reserved matters for a residential development of up to 210 units. The site already had outline planning permission, and the extension was deemed acceptable to allow for the continued development of this strategic site. Councillor E. Skinner declared an interest as living near the site and left the meeting prior to its consideration.

• PL/05096 - Erection of Gazebo (Re-submission PL/04069 - Refused on 24/06/2022) at The Coach House, Abergorlech, Carmarthen, SA32 7SN: This application was deferred to a future meeting. The deferral was to allow the agent to discuss the report's content with the client, including the potential withdrawal of the application. The proposal involved the retrospective erection of a gazebo within a conservation area, which had previously been refused due to its impact on the character and appearance of the area and nearby listed bridge.

• PL/08581 - Temporary siting of static home for 2 years to provide accommodation for employee to Alun Davies (Caio) Ltd and to assist on the farm during busy times at Ty Cilgawod, Caio, Llanwrda, SA19 8PG: This application was deferred to a future meeting. The deferral was to allow the agent to address refusal reasons concerning foul drainage and phosphate impacts, and to submit further information. The proposal was for a temporary static caravan for an essential farm worker, but concerns were raised about insufficient information regarding drainage and potential impacts on the River Tywi Special Area of Conservation.

Appeals Report

The committee noted the Planning Appeals Report, which provided information on lodged planning appeals as of 17 January 2025.

Planning Service Performance - Quarter 3

The committee received and noted the Planning Service Performance Report for Quarter 3 (October to December 2024). The report highlighted significant improvements in performance, particularly in the determination of planning applications, with 94% of all applications determined within the statutory time. The committee congratulated the department on its progress and noted that previous resource capacity issues had been addressed. A review of the Enforcement process is underway, with an update to be provided in due course.