Residents remain torn over town’s future amid changes
DRIVE just five miles out of Llanelli and you will discover a coastal haven complete with its own harbour, lighthouse and stunning views across to Gower.
Independent shops, cafes and restaurants line the humble streets of Burry Port that has been named among the jewels in Carmarthenshire’s crown.
But the town, as we know it, could soon face some major changes that could alter the community forever.
With large green spaces and its close proximity to golden sands, it’s no surprise that the area has been identified as a prime spot for development.
And a major supermarket, enterprise village, housing development and leisure opportunity look to be on the way.
While some have welcomed the massive changes to the townscape, others believe altering its appearance will ruin its character, and one person has already called it “a Llanelli town centre in the making”.
Just last year plans for 103 new houses on land adjoining the former Gwdig Hotel divided the town of Burry Port with many saying it wouldn’t be able to cope with more residents and that it would “ruin the area”.
With more major changes potentially on the way, residents remain torn over what the future could hold for their home.
Town resident Geoff Jones said: “Building affordable houses, as long as it’s tastefully done on a site which is currently an eyesore, has got to be a good thing for people who currently live here and want to buy and stay in the area. The natural beauty and history of the area will draw visitors to the area, there’s Burry Port’s key to being a vibrant little town. Make the most it by making it a tourist destination that people want to visit and holiday in and spend their money, otherwise it’s a Llanelli town centre on a smaller scale in the making.”
Fellow resident Katt Vaughan, who lives in the town, agreed that with a supermarket on their doorstep as well as an enterprise village, Burry Port could soon become a smaller version of neighbouring Llanelli.
She said: “I think it’s lovely as it is. We don’t need big supermarkets. It’s a quiet village, don’t turn it into Llanelli.
“If anything, maybe put some new houses up behind the wall down by the harbour. No big supermarkets though, we’ve got enough shops and CK’s Supermarket isn’t far.”
Daniel Green has lived in Burry Port his entire life and feels new developments would bring more job opportunities for those living there.
“I feel the place does need a big change,” he said.
“Things that will need to be done would be bigger toilets down the harbour. A supermarket and car parking next door to the residential home, Plas y Mor, I think would be perfect.
“As for the housing, I think it would be best to build away from the harbour, maybe on the main road where the farmland isn’t really being used. I think that would be perfect for the whole village.
“It would introduce more job opportunities for young people, as well as new housing for those looking to buy or rent.
“There’s a lot of things that could be done to make the population grow and the village could still be as beautiful, if not more beautiful than what it is.”
Kimberley Lewis moved to Burry Port 10 years ago, from a town near Milton Keynes, and thought the area would lose its identity if it were to be developed.
“There are already plenty of empty units in Burry Port and Llanelli which demonstrates there is not a need or demand for this type of business premises,” she said.
“Although I sympathise with the view that some people would like a supermarket locally, this would take money away from already struggling businesses.
“In the past 12 months we have lost a butcher and a greengrocer. What the local council should be doing is encouraging local business. With such a passionate local community this should be achievable.
“Tourism is the most dominant input of money into the local area. If the area is developed to look like any other newly modernised harbour/marina then what makes Burry Port special and attractive to holidaymakers? Let it keep its charm and tranquillity.”
Veronica Haines voiced her concerns about the potential strain an increase in the number of residents could have on the town’s facilities, such as the doctor’s surgery and schools.
She said: “The infrastructure is simply not there to support more housing in this area, as well as destroying the character of the town which is already congested.”
Up until two years ago there were two doctors surgeries operating in the town but the retirement of Harbour View Surgery’s GP Dr Lodha prompted its closure, leaving just one facility for residents.
At the time it was believed that Harbour View Surgery had around 1,400 patients, many of whom later tried to transfer to the nearby Meddygfa Tywyn Bach as a result of its closure.
Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that as of April 1 this year, Meddygfa Tywyn Bach had 7,215 patients – a significantly higher number than the amount previously registered with Harbour View.
With growing numbers of people potentially heading to Burry Port in the future, some residents fear services could struggle to cope.
But for those running their own businesses, the prospect of new developments arriving could be interpreted in one of two ways; either as more competition heading their way or the potential for more customers.
Laura Elston opened the Harbour Light Tearoom and B&B with her partner Richard just over two years ago. Despite being an independent business in the harbour, the couple are supportive of updating the town as long as the facilities are in place to accommodate the potential increase in the number of people living
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I feel very positive towards the new development . . . My only worry would be the shops on the high street as I don’t want them to suffer
Laura Elston, Harbor Light Tearoom and B&B