The Welsh Government is focusing its attention on controversial plans to demolish a former hospital in Carmarthenshire to make way for housing. Cardiff Bay planning officers have issued an order to Carmarthenshire Council preventing the granting of planning permission for a proposed development at the former Amman Valley Maternity Hospital, Glanamman, which closed almost 40 years ago.
The order does not prevent the agency from continuing to process the application or rejecting it. It will remain in place until Welsh ministers decide whether to make a formal request.
A company called Thomas Brothers Ltd from Ammanford wants to demolish the hospital and two houses (gateway) on Tirycoed Road and build 25 houses, including two bungalows. Thomas Brothers Ltd owns the land and tried to obtain planning permission for the 28-house project three years ago, despite fierce local opposition. Carmarthenshire Council rejected the application on environmental, landscape, roads and air quality grounds. Previous proposals for housing on the site were also rejected in 2014 and 2016.
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The new application aims to preserve “key environmental features” and “buffer zones”, according to a design and access application submitted on behalf of the company, which reduced the number of proposed homes to three. The document states that issues with the driveway and road have been resolved and the proposed development is considered acceptable from an air quality perspective.
He also said a bat house would be built and recommended planting apple trees and two hedges. When assessing financial viability, requirements for affordable housing, open spaces and/or contribution to education will be taken into account, the document adds.
Many Glanamman residents opposed the new plan, including John Studley, secretary of the campaign group that opposed it. Studley said the group had 50 members and represented nearly 700 objectors.
(Image: Richard Yule)
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards said in an email to the council that people had approached him about the request. Referring to the old maternity ward, he said: “The community is very aware that something needs to be done with the abandoned building, but (they believe) it should be for public use and not for housing. “Citizens believe this is an ideal location for a public welfare and conservation center.” Cwmaman Community Council opposed the application, as did councilor Emir Rees.
The Welsh Government said all subpoena requests are considered on their merits and it is rare for a request to be formally considered. Examples that may persuade you to do so include, but are not limited to, applications that may have a broad impact beyond your immediate vicinity or may significantly affect sites of scientific, conservation or historical importance, or an area of scenic importance . .
Source: Wales Online
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
