Crematorium land row
Concerns over ‘industrial estate’
CONCERNS have been raised over land near the crematorium in Llanelli which is earmarked for development as an industrial estate.
The opposition Labour Party on Carmarthenshire Council argues the land in question to the south and west of the crematorium in Penprys Road would cause a noise nuisance for grieving families attending services for loved ones.
However, Plaid Cymru has hit back and pointed out the brownfield land in question has been part of the county council’s local development plan (LDP) for the past seven years – placed within the plan when Labour led the council.
Earlier this month the Plaid-led executive board of the council unanimously agreed to negotiate terms and enter into an option agreement with the landowner of land next to the crematorium.
Labour argue that the land’s possible use as an industrial estate could cause “noise and commotion”, interrupting funeral services.
Cllr Rob James, leader of Carmarthenshire Council’s Labour group, with the support of six other Labour councillors, formally ‘called in’ the decision to hold talks for reconsideration over the land’s future.
Labour argued the sale of the land did not comply with existing policies, including the Future Generations Act and the council’s own declaration of a climate emergency within the county.
Cllr James said: “The future of the site at Penprys Road rests now with the council’s executive board.
“Without the potential sale of the land, it is very unlikely that the development will proceed.
“Therefore, Plaid and Independent councillors are essentially giving their thumbs-up to the principle of the development by entering into an option agreement.
“Labour are asking them to think again as the decision not only goes against public feeling about the planned development, which will alter the peaceful nature of the nearby Llanelli crematorium, but also against the environmental policies that the council has to adhere to.”
Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, said: “I am horrified that Plaid and Independent councillors should ever have thought of plonking an industrial estate right next to Llanelli crematorium.
“At what is a very distressing time, at least the crematorium currently offers calm and tranquil
lity.
“Moreover, why try and perch an industrial estate here on a patch of greenfield land (stated incorrectly that the land is brownfield), instead of maximising the use and upgrading of the existing industrial and brownfield sites we have in Llanelli?”
Llanelli’s MS Lee Waters said that while the town did need new units for expansion, the location was all wrong, adding: “We do need modern units for businesses to grow and develop but this is a terrible location.
“This will have a detrimental impact on the peaceful setting of the crematorium.
“I am very concerned that the council are gradually urbanising the stretch between Dafen and Llangennech.”
In response, Plaid councillor Alun Lenny, who chairs the council’s planning committee, said: “Any application that comes before the crossparty planning committee is rigorously considered.
“As committee chair, I can’t discuss detail, but I can state some facts.
“Nia Griffith MP ignores or forgets the fact that the site in question was earmarked as a proposed employment area in the LDP passed in 2014, when Labour was leading the council.
“She should refer her remarks about ‘plonking an industrial estate next to Llanelli crematorium’ to her Labour colleague, former council leader Kevin Madge.
“It was his administration that agreed to include this site in the LDP, knowing full well that the crematorium was nearby.”
Cllr Lenny added: “The same applies to MS Lee Waters’s concern about urbanising the stretch between Dafen and Llangennech.
“If he believes that, he should take it up with Cllr Madge and the other Labour members who approved the LDP seven years ago.”