The Planning Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Monday 17 November 2025 to determine a single planning application. The committee granted planning permission for a One Planet Development at Land North West of Cwmcastell Fawr, Carmarthen, SA33 6EG, subject to several conditions.

Determination of Planning Applications

The committee granted planning permission for a One Planet Development¹ at Land North West of Cwmcastell Fawr, Carmarthen, SA33 6EG. This development will comprise a single-storey dwelling, ancillary buildings, and horticultural and coppice areas.

The decision was made subject to three additional conditions:

• The development will be limited to a total of ten public events per year, including workshops and volunteer days.
• Any events held must be confined to 'Field 1' as marked on the site plan.
• A scheme must be produced and implemented to thicken the hedgerow between 'Field 1' and 'Field 2' to mitigate future noise disturbances.

The application was recommended for approval by the Head of Place and Sustainability, with the report detailing how the proposal met the criteria for a One Planet Development as set out in national planning policy, including Technical Advice Note 6 (TAN 6) and its associated practice guidance. The applicants provided a comprehensive management plan and ecological footprint analysis, demonstrating how the development would support two adults with their food, income, energy, and waste assimilation needs from the site within five years. The plan outlined extensive land-based activities, including vegetable gardens, livestock, orchards, and coppice areas, alongside proposals for renewable energy generation from solar panels and sustainable water management.

During the meeting, two residents raised objections to the application, citing concerns about previous noise issues, insufficient vehicle access, and a lack of community engagement. The local member, Councillor Jean Lewis, who is also a member of the Planning Committee, addressed the committee, acknowledging the residents' concerns and requesting a condition to mitigate noise. The applicant and the Senior Development and Enforcement Manager, Hugh Towns, responded to the issues raised.

The report highlighted that the proposed development would result in an overall benefit for biodiversity, with careful consideration given to existing features on the site. The applicants' management plan detailed plans for conserving and enhancing hedgerows, planting trees, and creating ponds. The ecological footprint analysis indicated that the applicants' predicted footprint would fall to 1.53 global hectares per capita after five years, exceeding the target set out in TAN 6.

The committee also noted that the development would be subject to a Section 106 agreement to tie the dwelling to the land and ensure it remains the sole residence for the occupants. Conditions were also imposed regarding highway safety, including visibility improvements at the access, and the management of surface water run-off. The temporary accommodation on site was also required to be removed within three months of the dwelling's first occupation.