The Planning Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Thursday 7 November 2024 and determined four planning applications. The committee also received a report on planning appeals and a performance report for the Planning Service.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee granted planning permission for four applications, subject to conditions detailed in the reports.

• PL/07181 - Conversion of agricultural building to events and wedding venue at Green Grove Farm, Llangadog: This retrospective application, a resubmission of a previously refused application, was recommended for approval. Objectors raised concerns about noise and disturbance impacting residents at Glasallt Fawr, a nearby centre for adults with learning disabilities. They also questioned the adequacy of the Noise Management Plan and the adherence of guests to its conditions. The agent and Senior Development Management Officer responded to these points. The application was ultimately approved.

• PL/07742 - Change of use of barn to holiday letting cottage at Gellilednais, Uplands, Carmarthen: This application was approved.

• PL/08091 - Variation of Condition 1 on S/40692 to allow a further 5 years for the submission of reserved matters at Cwm Y Nant (Land North of Gors-Fach), Dafen, Llanelli: This application was approved.

• PL/08205 - New permanent amenity block to replace existing temporary amenity block at Pembrey Country Park, Pembrey, Burry Port: This application was approved.

Appeals Report

The committee considered the Planning Appeals Report, which detailed lodged appeals as of 28 October 2024. Particular attention was given to PL/05392, where the Planning Authority had refused planning permission due to issues with affordable housing provision. The appeal was upheld, allowing the developer to proceed without an affordable housing contribution. The committee expressed disappointment with comments made in the Inspector's Decision Letter, suggesting the Planning Authority had been unhelpful. It was resolved that Councillor R. Sparks, in consultation with the Chair and Legal Services Manager, would make written representations to the Planning Inspectorate to convey the committee's disappointment regarding the affordable housing element and other comments made in the decision for PL/05392.

Planning Service Performance - Quarter 2

The committee reviewed the Planning Service Performance Report for Quarter 2 (July to September 2024), focusing on the Development Management and Enforcement Division. The report presented core performance indicators, including national and local metrics. The committee was informed about the performance in determining planning applications, with most categories meeting or exceeding targets. However, statutory pre-applications continued to present challenges, with only 33% determined within the target date, attributed to resource pressures. The percentage of member-made decisions against officer advice was noted at 9%, an improvement but still above the national target. The report also detailed performance in handling enforcement cases, with 81% investigated within the 84-day target, though the average investigation time was 110 days. The Senior Development and Enforcement Manager provided a synopsis of enforcement processes, with further information to be presented at a development session on 17 December 2024. The report was received.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The committee resolved to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 22 October 2024 as a correct record, subject to an amendment to include apologies submitted by Councillor R. Sparks.