News

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

Published

5 months 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 The quarry basin is filled with water, and a plan by Dolawen Cyf to reduce the water level has been withdrawn.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.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.