Latest news with #CarmarthenshireCouncil
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
We're being forced to rip down our entire holiday park after splashing our life savings… but we have one last hope
The pair sold three properties to buy the site HOL NO We're being forced to rip down our entire holiday park after splashing our life savings… but we have one last hope A COUPLE have been ordered to tear down the holiday park they invested their life savings into - but they have one final hope. Bonnie Fisher, 53, and Shane O'Neill had previously dreamed of an idyllic retirement complete with their own glamping site. 6 The council said the site was largely unauthorised Credit: WNS 6 It features three glamping pods which could be torn down Credit: WNS 6 Bonnie Fisher, 53, is determined to keep the campsite Credit: WNS 6 Shane O'Neill and Bonnie built a new reception area and toilet and shower block Credit: WNS The couple spent their life savings on the project four years ago. They both sold their homes, as well as a jointly-owned cottage they had renovated, to buy the farmhouse and campsite in the country in Llangain, near Carmarthen, Wales. The site has certification by the Caravan and Motorhome Club for five caravans, motorhomes or trailer tents. It later expanded to include three glamping pods before the couple bought the site - and currently has 29 pitches. Parts of the site needed significant work, as the pair replaced a toilet and shower block, in addition to constructing a new reception building. This cost thousands on top of the initial purchasing cost. However, the council has now ordered the couple to tear down the buildings, as well as the glamping pods. It claimed that the site "was largely unauthorised". The couple, who live in the farmhouse, could be forced to close Church House Farm Getaways as a result. Bonnie, a nurse who runs a private aesthetics clinic, said: "This is our retirement project. We sold my house, we sold Shane's house, and we sold a jointly-owned cottage which we'd renovated to buy this place. Shocking moment mob beats up Brit tourist after he 'ploughs into woman while pulling wheelie on motorbike' in Thailand "We've got no plans to enlarge it. Visitors always get a good welcome. We like to see people come and enjoy themselves." Carmarthenshire Council previously refused a planning application in 2006 for 30 touring pitches and a toilet and shower block due to highway safety. It had previously granted temporary permission for a portable toilet block for two years in 2004. Bonnie and Shane said they were unaware the new shower block and reception building required planning permission. They then applied retrospectively, but this was denied by the council who said that the site was largely unauthorised. A further application for a certificate of lawfulness for the three glamping pods was also refused. In March of this year, an enforcement notice ordered the couple to remove the glamping pods, toilet and shower block, and reception building. They were also ordered to stop using the land as a caravan and campsite. An exemption was made for the area that had been certified by the Caravan and Motorhome Club. While the couple did acknowledge to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales that a planning breach had occurred, they argued that the site expansion could be lawful because it had been there so long. Their agents urged the planning inspector to extend the three-month deadline so that they could draw up a certificate of lawfulness application or other planning applications to the council. But the inspector turned the appeal down saying that extending it to 12 months "would considerably prolong the identified public harm". In the hopes of keeping their beloved site, their planning agents are submitting a certificate of lawfulness application to the council arguing that it is in keeping with its historic wider use. This could help ensure that the toilet and shower block, reception building and glamping pods remain. Bonnie said: "We would appeal it. If that decision was upheld we would have to close it (the site) down." The site has won awards in recent years while some neighbours have backed the couple to say the site was well run, an asset to Carmarthenshire, and that steps were taken to ensure a free flow of traffic when caravans arrived. Bonnie said a council tourism officer visited the site and estimated it was worth £2.6 million in visitor spend to the wider economy. A council spokeswoman said: "As the local planning authority, Carmarthenshire Council does not condone unauthorised development and will use its full range of powers to seek to regularise development in the public interest." 6 The site has won several awards and received good reviews from visitors Credit: WNS
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Sports pitches in Carmarthenshire are being ruined by dog poo which is not being picked up
Sports pitches in Carmarthenshire are being ruined by dog poo which is not being picked up 'Dog fouling not only creates unpleasant conditions but also poses real health risks to players and young people' Dog fouling is ruining some of Carmarthenshire's sports pitches (Image: Carmarthenshire County Council ) A Welsh council has asked for help from the general public because sports pitches are being ruined by dog poo. Carmarthenshire Council's move comes after increasing concerns were raised about dogs fouling on marked pitches in the county and owners not picking up their pet's mess. In response, the council has now launched an 'Evidence Gathering Toolkit' that is designed to help local clubs record how often these offences happen and their severity. The council hopes that any information that is collected will help it gauge the scale of the issue. The data will also also help the council make any potential improvements to Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . Councillor Edward Thomas, cabinet member for transport, waste and infrastructure services, said: 'We know how important our sports pitches are to local communities across Carmarthenshire. 'Dog fouling not only creates unpleasant conditions but also poses real health risks to players and young people using these facilities.' Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here The evidence toolkit was initially launched in November 2024, in collaboration with town and community councils, and several clubs have already begun utilising it. Article continues below Carmarthenshire Council has said it is now building on that initial outreach with a wider campaign to ensure that all sports clubs across the county have the chance to take part. However, the toolkit is specifically designed to address offences on marked sports pitches and will not be used in general park areas. The council hopes that with collaboration and accurate evidence, it can better safeguard the county's sports spaces. Councillor Thomas added: 'This toolkit gives clubs a practical way to record and report issues so we can take informed action where needed. 'I encourage all clubs experiencing problems to get involved. Your input is vital in helping us keep these spaces clean, safe, and fit for purpose.' For more information or to register your interest in the Evidence Gathering Toolkit, you can contact pspodogorders@ Article continues below
ITV News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Carmarthenshire Council commits to replacing Llanelli's Ysgol Heol Goffa as two options mooted
Carmarthenshire Council has committed to replacing Llanelli's only special school, after proposals which were years in the making were last year scrapped due to rising costs. Ysgol Heol Goffa was established in the early 1970s and accommodates 75 pupils, but it cannot meet the current demand for education provision for children with additional learning needs. Plans to build a new school to replace Ysgol Heol Goffa were first announced eight years ago in 2017, after an inspection found that the learning environment was "adequate" and "areas of the school building, limit significantly the range of learning opportunities that can take place on site". But last year the local authority decided not to press ahead with the plans, citing increasing project costs. That decision sparked anger among campaigners, and the council commissioned an independent review of ALN provision in the Llanelli area. The review's findings were published in February this year, with six potential options presented. At a meeting on Monday, 16 June, the Plaid Cymru-run council's cabinet decided it will consider two of those options, which both include a new school and increased ALN provision. The two options being considered are: Building a new 150-pupil special school, and develop proposals to build one primary and one secondary specialist centre for pupils with autistic spectrum conditions attached to mainstream schools. Building a new 250-pupil special school to include provision for pupils with autistic spectrum conditions. Councillors have asked council officers for further details on feasibility and costs before making a final decision "as soon as possible". Darren Price, leader of Carmarthenshire Council, told ITV Cymru Wales: "Clearly, we are facing increased demand for ALN provision across the county. "It's no different to other parts of Wales, but what we recognise is we need to invest in new, modern facilities, to deliver that ALN provision in the town." Asked if there will be a new building for Heol Goffa, Cllr Price said: "Absolutely. "The previous proposal that we had in Llanelli was for a 120-pupil school for Heol Goffa. The work that (consultant) David Davies has carried out on our behalf has shown that that school would have been too small on day one, so there's a need to go to at least 150 pupils for any new provision. "We absolutely understand the frustration that's been felt by school staff, pupils and parents and the wider community and we want to get this decision done as soon as possible so we can get on and invest in those key provisions for Llanelli. "Heol Goffa and ALN provision in Llanelli is a key priority for us... Heol Goffa is certainly at the top of the agenda and it's one of the schools we want to be investing in as soon as possible." Asked if families would have to wait another eight years for a new, bigger school building, he said: "Absolutely not. That certainly isn't the intention. We want to proceed as soon as possible." As for confidence in funding being there to invest in new school infrastructure, the council leader said: "Certainly, we've got concerns in terms of the funding envelope we have as a council in terms of investing, in terms of our school estate. "That's no different to any other council. I think there are frustrations across the country in terms of how much money we've got to invest in capital schemes, and that of course is why we've had to review the situation with Heol Goffa. "We've got a fixed level of funding that we can invest in terms of schools and there's a duty on us to look at that funding in the most diligent way possible, but one thing we are absolutely clear on is that the provision of ALN facilities in Llanelli is a top priority for the council and we hope to see progress on that as soon as possible." In response, the leader of the Labour group at Carmarthenshire Council, Deryk Cundy, said he was furious that no hard and fast timeline for the new school had been agreed. "They have kicked this into the long grass yet again," Cllr Cundy said. "They just can't seem to make a decision. "It's a kick in the teeth for the parents. All the time they are delaying, the prices for building a new school are going up and up." School campaigner and Lliedi ward town councillor Shaun Greaney said: "I'm frightened the delays could actually jeopardise the whole project. "Labour has committed to funding 75 per cent of the total cost from Welsh Government, but we don't know what will happen at the Senedd elections next year.
South Wales Guardian
11-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Two traditional Llangadog barns set to become homes
The barns, located approximately 1.3km east of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, were deemed unsuitable for modern agricultural use but remain in good structural condition. The barns, owned by Mr and Mrs Hughes and family since 2021/2022, are part of a 4.64-acre site that includes additional agricultural land. The planning application, submitted by Cynllunio RW Planning Ltd, outlines the conversion of the barns into two residential dwellings, complete with associated amenity space, parking, and access improvements. The proposal includes retaining and improving the existing western access, while the central access will be blocked off. The planning statement indicates that the barns are free from major structural issues, with a structural report by Jake Smith Engineering confirming only minor repairs are necessary. A bat survey has also been conducted, ensuring the conversion adheres to ecological considerations. Design specifics for the barns have been laid out, with Barn 1 set to be transformed into a 165 square metre, three-bedroom dwelling, requiring only minor exterior changes, while Barn 2 will be a similarly scaled dwelling. The planning application is supported by a marketing report indicating that the barns have been viewed 32 times, with 16 offers made, all for residential reuse and not for business purposes. The conversion costs are argued to exceed affordable housing values, justifying an affordability exemption. The planning application also includes detailed ecological and green infrastructure considerations. An ecological survey highlights the inclusion of mitigation measures for bats, barn owls, and small birds, while no hedgerows or trees will be removed. A new mixed-species hedgerow is proposed, with the mitigation measures intended to achieve a biodiversity net gain. The planning application also addresses highways concerns, detailing plans to improve the western access for shared use, while closing the central access point. Visibility splays and access are said to be policy-compliant. Drainage and phosphate neutrality are also considered, with the proposal of a package treatment plant and a drainage field. All surface water is set to be managed via SuDS principles. The planning statement concludes by requesting planning permission, asserting full compliance with Policy H5 and associated local development plan and national guidance. The planning statement highlights previous approval of similar open-market conversions by the authority. However, the planning statement does not include a decision notice or approval date. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to review the full planning application on the Carmarthenshire Council planning portal.
Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Reform UK gets first Carmarthenshire councillor after huge by-election win
Reform UK gets first Carmarthenshire councillor after huge by-election win 'All I kept hearing was that people felt they weren't being listened to', said Michelle Beer, Carmarthenshire Council's newest councillor Michelle Beer (centre), who is Reform UK's first county councillor in Carmarthenshire (Image: courtesy of Michelle Beer ) Reform UK has planted a flag in south west Wales after candidate Michelle Beer comfortably won a council by-election in Carmarthenshire. She will represent Llanelli's Lliedi ward after comfortably securing first place out of eight candidates. She polled 568 votes, while Labour's Andrew Bragoli came second with 312 votes. Councillor Beer will be the first Reform UK county councillor in Carmarthenshire and neighbouring Swansea, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. The by-election was held following the death of the unaffiliated Independent Lliedi councillor Anthony Leyshon. Councillor Beer said the result hadn't been too much of a surprise although she stressed she hadn't been complacent. "I knew the support for Reform in that area had been very strong," she said. "We did face a lot of opposition, and we took nothing for granted." Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here The 47-year-old said she hadn't stood for public office before but had supported her husband, Gareth, also of Reform UK, who came second in the Llanelli seat in last year's general election. She said: "The opportunity came up and members said to me, 'Michelle, you would be the ideal candidate.' I love working with people and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to people. "We started door-knocking quite early. All I kept hearing was that people felt they weren't being listened to, and not enough was being done. They felt they had seen a deterioration. We formed our messages from there." She said this feeling of not being listened was directed at national and local politicians. Asked what she knew about how county councils were run, she said she had an idea and expected to get up to speed quickly. She added that she'd had a stint working for a district council in New Zealand when she and her husband lived there. Asked if she felt council tax was too high in Carmarthenshire, she said: "It can't keep going up. I feel there is a lot of wastage. You can look for better value in procurement for example, just like in business." She added that she did not advocate services being cut. Llanelli town centre (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Reform UK had a lot of success in English council elections at the beginning of May, and leader Nigel Farage suggested that council diversity, equity and inclusion officers in any Reform UK-run authorities should look for another job. Was this a message that councillor Beer sought to bring to Carmarthenshire? "Not as a lone (Reform) councillor," she said. "But maybe something looking ahead to 2027 (the next council elections)." She said her priority was to respond to the needs of Lliedi residents, whether that concerns fixing potholes or ensuring bins were collected. Councillor Beer grew up in Llanelli where her parents, who had moved to the area from Hong Kong, ran a takeaway restaurant. After college she had different jobs, including running a marketing business. Later she attended and graduated from a Bible school, and then worked supporting her husband's business. The couple have four children - two boys and two girls. Councillor Beer lives in Kidwelly, around eight miles west of Llanelli. Asked if that had given her cause for any concern, given that she had been aiming to win a Llanelli seat, she said: "I travel to Llanelli almost every day, I know it very well. I would class it as my home town. I consider myself a Llanelli lass." Second-placed Mr Bragoli, a Llanelli town councillor, said he wished councillor Beer good luck. "She won, and I hope she sticks to her promises," said the Labour candidate. "I wasn't even a close second. If it wasn't for my local popularity and my experience being a union rep at Trostre (steelworks) I think it could have been worse." Asked for his opinion on why he thought that was the case, Mr Bragoli said the UK Labour Government's decision last year to means-test the winter fuel allowance for pensioners was, in his view, a "killer", politically-speaking. Last week, following mounting political pressure, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signalled a change in the threshold to allow more pensioners to qualify for the payment of up to £300. Mr Bragoli credited Sir Keir for being "a bigger man" in changing direction but said the damage had been done. He said if the Lliedi by-election had happened 12 months ago he reckoned he would have been "a shoo-in". Carmarthenshire Council is run by a Plaid Cymru-Independent coalition. Lliedi is represented by two councillors, unaffiliated Independent Cllr Rob James and now Cllr Beer. The result of the May 29 by-election was: Article continues below Michelle May Beer - Reform UK - 568 Andrew Bargoli - Welsh Labour - 312 Sharon Burdess - Independent - 116 Jonathan Edward Burree - Welsh Liberal Democrats - 41 Wayne Erasmus - Gwlad, Wales Can Be Better – 9 Alison Leyshon - Independent - 86 Taylor Reynolds - Plaid Cymru, The Party of Wales - 107 Richard Williams - Welsh Conservative Party Candidate – 93 The turnout was 33.36%.
