A former Lidl store in Carmarthen will be demolished and replaced with housing for the over 55s. The 48 one-bedroom apartments will be located in two- and three-storey blocks surrounding a two-level community garden and will include 16 parking spaces.

Councilors on Carmarthenshire’s planning committee raised concerns about the number of units when discussing Wales & West Housing’s application, with Cllr Terry Davies saying it would be a “free for all” and would cause problems. The December 19 meeting also heard that trenches dug in the Priory Street section of the conservation area revealed Roman and post-medieval walls. They will need to be excavated and recorded as part of the plan.

A council official said the height of the front and back of the flats had been reduced to better suit nearby buildings such as the former Carmarthen Infirmary. He also said that the distance between the construction site and the Parade houses is just over 40 meters.

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There were 16 public objections, as well as a petition signed by 64 people, raising concerns about rights of way and traffic. The committee heard that the Welsh Government offered the housing association a “significant subsidy” to speed up construction, that building on the site would be expensive and that a certain number of apartments would be needed to make the project viable. . “What you have before you today is the best that can be achieved locally,” the officer said.



The old Lidl store, Priorna street



What the tower block will look like from Priory Street, with the old Carmarthen Hospital building on the left

He added that there is a car park nearby on Rua de São Pedro, there will be bicycle parking on site and that Priory Street has a bus service. Managers Mansell Charles, Jean Lewis, Dorian Phillips, Denise Owen and Gareth Thomas asked about the level of parking at the site and wanted to know how emergency vehicles could get to the apartments. “I think there’s still a lot to do here,” said Cllr Phillips. Cllr Charles asked if the decision could be delayed.

A planning expert said more parking could be provided, but this would result in fewer apartments or a smaller community garden. “We need to find a balance,” he said. “It was analyzed in detail.”

The committee was also told that the apartments would house elderly people who currently live in semi-detached houses, which are more suitable for families. After further debate, Cllr Edward Skinner proposed that the planning department’s approval recommendation be put to a vote and the majority voted in favour. Lidl has moved from Priory Street to a larger store in Friars Park, Carmarthen.