PLANNING permission was granted for three houses in Pontyberem at a recent meeting of the planning committee, in spite of concerns raised over the proposals for a car park for existing residents.
Previous plans for the site were dismissed under delegated powers last year, and an appeal failed on the grounds of highway safety.
Introducing the plans, Jonathan Thomas explained that the outline plans had been resubmitted with an additional parking area for existing residents, notably those living opposite the site, which addressed these issues.
However, he added that the proposals had still received a number of objections, which focussed on loss of privacy, foul drainage, and damage to other people’s property.
The plans were recommended for approval by officers.
Objecting, local resident Mark Davies, who owns a property opposite the site, pointed out that a previous application had been refused by CCC and the Welsh Government.
He added that the single-track road to the site was narrow, and without a pavement. “At no point are there properties opposite each other,” he remarked.
“With this development you will have increased traffic flow and pedestrians, especially at peak times.”
He noted that the six additional parking spaces for existing residents were around 200 yards away from their homes. “The elderly, young and disabled will have to walk this in all weathers,” Mr Davies told the committee, expressing concerns that this would cause issues with deliveries to the houses.
Local member Cllr Liam Bowen agreed with most of what Mr Davies said, and questioned whether six parking spaces would be sufficient.
“This is the only part of the road where houses will be facing each other,” he added, claiming that construction traffic to the site would also cause problems for local residents.
Mr Thomas pointed out that the amount of traffic for building three properties would be ‘relatively low’.
Highways officer Kevin James explained that the original reason for refusal was because there was on-street parking opposite, which caused visibility issues. He pointed out that the provision of off-street parking and a footpath would be a ‘huge benefit’.
Cllr Ken Howell questioned whether people would choose to park 200 yards away from their homes when there was space outside. “What will happen is people will park on the road if you don’t put two yellow lines down,” he warned.
Cllr Kevin Madge also raised concerns about non-residents using the parking spaces, and the lack of street lighting between the car park and existing houses.
It was pointed out that the provision of street lighting was not a matter for the committee.
Cllr Madge said he was ‘not happy’ that elderly residents would be expected to walk 200 yards from the car park in the dark late at night.
Cllr Bowen told the committee that while improvements had been made, ‘the disadvantages outweigh the benefits’.
After Mr Thomas confirmed that the land would be designated as a car park permanently, the committee voted to grant permission by 15-1 with two councillors abstaining.
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