The Planning Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Thursday 22 October 2026, discussing several planning applications and appeals. Key decisions included deferring a decision on a proposed convenience store in Tycroes to allow for a site visit, and refusing an application to convert a chapel in Burry Port into a residential dwelling due to flood risk concerns.

Convenience Store Proposed for Tycroes

The committee considered a proposal for a new convenience store with an ATM and parking area at 6-8 Ammanford Road, Tycroes. The application, submitted by CK's Supermarket, was recommended for approval by officers, subject to conditions and a £5,000 contribution towards highway improvements. However, the committee resolved that the consideration of the application be deferred to enable the Committee to undertake a site visit.

Numerous objections were raised by local residents and Councillor Tina Higgins, the local member, concerning highway safety, increased traffic, parking issues, noise, and the impact on existing local businesses. Concerns were also voiced about the loss of pedestrian railings and the necessity of an ATM, given the presence of a post office in the village. The applicant, represented by Lisa Llewellyn, argued that the development would create jobs, improve the appearance of a derelict site, and provide increased choice for residents. Despite assurances from officers and the applicant regarding highway safety and noise mitigation, the committee decided a site visit was necessary to fully assess the concerns.

Chapel Conversion in Burry Port Refused

An application to change the use of the vacant Bethany Welsh Chapel on New Street, Burry Port, into a single residential dwelling was refused. The primary reasons for refusal were significant flood risk concerns, with the site located within Flood Zone 3 (Rivers and Sea). This classification makes it highly vulnerable development, and the proposal conflicted with national planning policy (TAN 15) and local policies (SP2, GP1) that restrict such development in high-risk areas.

Additionally, the applicant failed to demonstrate nutrient neutrality in relation to the Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and had not provided sufficient ecological information, including a Bat Survey and Green Infrastructure Statement, to address biodiversity requirements. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) also raised an objection due to flood risk and potential impacts on the SAC. Councillor John James, the local member, spoke in support of the application, highlighting previous flood defence measures and the benefit of bringing a derelict building back into use. However, the committee ultimately sided with the officers' recommendation for refusal due to the unresolved flood risk and biodiversity issues.

Other Planning Applications and Appeals

• PL/10273 (Land adjoining Pantyrhedyn, Henfwlch Road, Carmarthen): Consideration of this One Planet Development application was deferred to allow officers more time to assess substantial late objections received.
• PL/10649 (Maesfenni, Cwmbach, Whitland): An application to replace two residential caravans and storage containers with two bungalows and a storage shed was deferred. This decision was made to allow officers to engage in further discussions with the applicants regarding potential improvements, with a revised report to be presented later. Councillor Jean Lewis, the local member, spoke in support of the application, arguing that permanent homes would be more beneficial than caravans and would improve the site. Officers had recommended refusal, citing conflicts with Policy H4 regarding replacement dwellings and development in the open countryside.
• Appeals Report: The committee noted the appeals report, which indicated a 100% success rate for the council since the last meeting, with two appeals being dismissed.
• Minutes of Previous Meeting: The minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2026 were signed as a correct record.