Plans for almost 80 new homes in two Carmarthenshire villages have been rejected after facing strong opposition locally. The first development, comprising 35 houses, was proposed in Nantgaredig, east of Carmarthen. The project sparked significant backlash, with concerns raised over increased traffic on Station Road and the potential impact on the village’s population and character. Despite efforts to address these concerns, the application was turned down as the developers had not entered into a legal agreement with the council regarding education and highways contributions, off-site recreational facilities, and affordable housing provision.
In a separate proposal, 44 homes were planned in Trimsaran, north-west of Llanelli. The development, which included a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties, was met with objections regarding its impact on biodiversity and the overall design of the estate. Furthermore, the lack of a signed legal agreement for various contributions and affordable housing provision led to the rejection of the application by the council’s planning department.
The applicants expressed their disappointment at the decision but reiterated their commitment to collaborating with the council and stakeholders to address concerns and deliver high-quality housing options for local residents. The projects in Carmarthenshire are part of their focus on developing residential sites in the area.
Despite outlining planning permission for 79 homes already in place at the Trimsaran site, the revised proposal faced challenges due to site constraints such as former mine shafts and existing infrastructure. The refusal underscores the importance of sustainable and well-designed housing developments that take into account environmental considerations and community needs.
As the applicants consider their next steps, the local community remains engaged in shaping the future of their villages and advocating for developments that align with their vision and values. The decision to reject these housing plans reflects the careful balance required to achieve sustainable growth while preserving the unique character and biodiversity of Carmarthenshire’s villages.