Homes plan for old storage site

A DERELICT storage complex on the outskirts of Carmarthen is to be demolished and replaced with houses.

Carmarthenshire Council planning officers have given permission for the former MAFF depot, Abergwili, to be knocked down.

Outline consent has been given for up to 14 detached houses at the site, which is bordered by Abergwili Road and Cnwc Y Gwili.

Both consents have come with a list of conditions, and the developer must sign a legal agreement to provide some affordable housing and a financial contribution to improve open space, education and pedestrian facilities in the area.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said the site comprised a large warehouse and two industrial buildings previously used for food storage. The empty buildings, it said, were in a state of disrepair.

“The redevelopment of the site for housing, set within the existing landscape at the site would create a more attractive environment, in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area,” it said.

The outline scheme proposes eight three-bedroom properties, four fourbed ones and two five-bed ones, all accessed off Abergwili Road.

Ward councillor Ken Lloyd met residents of the adjacent Cnwc Y Gwili estate after the planning documents were submitted, and said they were pleased there was a proposal to take down the storage buildings.

Cllr Lloyd said residents were, however, concerned about separation distances between their homes and the planned new ones and wanted to guard against any overlooking or loss of privacy. They also wanted the developer to consider including some bungalows.

The planning statement said the layout of the 14 properties would have “an acceptable impact” on adjoining householders, with no overlooking occurring for Cnwc Y Gwili residents.