News

Plans for recycling plant at former quarry opposed by more than 2,000 people

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2024

Richard Youle - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS opposed by more than 2,000 people for a rubble and soil recycling plant at a former quarry have been recommended for approval.

Carmarthenshire Council planning officers said the proposals for Cilyrychen Quarry, Llandybie, near Ammanford, had a number of potential impacts. But they said that mitigation measures proposed by the applicant, combined with planning conditions, would greatly reduce “the likelihood of significant impacts”. Their report will be discussed by the council’s planning committee at a meeting on August 15.

As well as importing rubble and soil for recycling and processing, applicant Dolawen Cyf wants to remove materials deposited at two areas of the quarry as part of previous operations which took place there, but it said these materials would be removed mechanically rather than being blasted out. Dolawen Cyf has indicated that the total amount of material both brought in and removed from the quarry would not exceed 50,000 tonnes per year.

A campaign group called Save Cilyrychen Quarry is among those objecting to the plans. It said the quarry was in a sensitive location, home to wildlife including falcons, bats, and dormice, and a popular area for recreation and tourism. Dolawen Cyf’s application has prompted 147 objections and a petition of objection signed by 2,073 people. Two community councils have objected or raised concerns about increased HGV traffic, and impact on neighbouring properties and a nearby special area of conservation. Statutory consultees such as Natural Resources Wales haven’t objected.

The planning report cited potential road, dust, vibration, ecology and visual impacts, among other things, but said mitigation and compensation measures – such as new planting and landscaping – were considered to be acceptable. The quarry basin is filled with water, and a plan by Dolawen Cyf to reduce the water level has been withdrawn.

The proposed new recycling facility would consist of different operating areas, including a rubble storage area which is partially screened by a bund – or mound. This bund is just 35 metres from two residential homes which cater for people with learning difficulties. The plan is to increase the height of the bund and plant trees on it.

Another part of the recycling site would be the aggregates processing area, which would be 120 metres from houses on Penpound Lane but closer to their gardens. The planning report said thick scrub and trees separated the homes from the proposed processing area. It also said that more recycling and processing of rubble and soil was needed in Wales – despite the South West Wales region meeting a 90% target – and that disused quarries were possible locations for this activity subject to criteria being met.

Speaking in 2021 when the plans were made public, Penpound Lane residents Garry and Julie Morgan said they were worried about the impact on property values, noise and dust in dry weather. Another resident, Ruth Davies, said there would be “no days off” for Llandybie if operations at the site took place seven days per week. The planning report said work wouldn’t take place on Sundays or bank holidays, and that the crushing and screening plant would have slightly shorter hours than the rest of the site.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.