A council meeting in Carmarthenshire was brought to an abrupt end only six minutes after commencing, sparking criticism and frustration among attendees. The meeting, which aimed to discuss contentious plans for a former quarry site, hit a roadblock when Councillor Gareth Thomas disclosed a conflict of interest involving his son’s rental agreement with the applicant’s parent company. This conflict rendered the meeting inquorate, leading to its premature conclusion and leaving many feeling disillusioned with the process.
The planning committee had gathered to review proposals for a rubble and soil recycling operation at the Cilyrychen quarry near Llandybie. Cllr Thomas’s revelation necessitated his withdrawal from the committee, resulting in insufficient members to proceed with the meeting. Despite the earlier site visit by councillors to the quarry, where they assessed the situation firsthand, the meeting’s sudden end left stakeholders unsatisfied and disheartened.
Julie Morgan, a local resident who had protested during the site visit, expressed her disappointment, labelling the meeting as a waste of time and public resources. Similarly, Llandybie councillor Dai Nicholas voiced his discontent with the outcome, highlighting the need for a fair and transparent decision-making process. The planning committee, which ideally consists of 21 councillors, currently faces vacancies and absences, complicating the rescheduling of the meeting.
The proposed quarry plans involve the crushing and processing of rubble for reuse, alongside the removal of previously deposited material. Despite objections from concerned citizens and environmentalists, council officers have recommended approval for the application, citing compliance with planning policies. However, the significant public opposition, including 147 letters of concern and a petition with over 2,000 signatures, underscores the community’s reservations about the potential impacts of the project.
The controversy surrounding the quarry plans has reignited the debate on responsible development and community engagement in Carmarthenshire. As the council grapples with the aftermath of the disrupted meeting, residents and stakeholders await a more structured and inclusive decision-making process to address the challenges posed by the quarry project.