Carmarthenshire Council have announced that the controversial rebuild of Ysgol Dewi Sant on recreational playing fields is no longer going ahead.
The contentious plans for the new £9.1 million primary school in Llanelli were on hold whilst the Welsh Government considered a call-in request.
Teachers and governors have been informed that it would not a good use of public resources to continue with the site previously selected and that the Council had already begun work on identifying a new site.
Carmarthenshire Council carried out a public consultation prior to submitting a planning application in April 2018. A design and access statement noted that Llanerch fields were felt to be the most appropriate of the nine sites considered.
Cllr Rob James, local member for Lliedi and Opposition Leader, stated “A meeting has been held with Council Officers, Governors and staff to discuss the rebuild of Ysgol Dewi Sant, where those present were informed that the school would not be built on Llanerch field.
“It was stressed that the funding of the new school has not been lost and that work has already begun on identifying a suitable location for the school.
“A decision has now been made on the future of Ysgol Dewi Sant that provides clarity to pupils, parents, teachers, staff and residents.
“I appreciate the patience of all involved, as this has been a very sensitive matter.
“As a local member, and governor of Ysgol Dewi Sant, I will be working intensively with Council Officers, the school, pupils, parents and residents to ensure that we identify a suitable site for Ysgol Dewi Sant as soon as possible.
“It is my ambition that we can identify a new site and gain planning permission by the end of the year.
“Ysgol Dewi Sant has a tremendous reputation, not just in Llanelli, but across Wales as the first Welsh medium school to be run by a local authority. It is the desire of all involved to ensure that a 21st century school is build for the pupils and teaching staff that will enable the school to continue to thrive.”
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