TWO new homes are to be built in the grounds of Trap School - despite fears that the go-ahead moves the historic building one step closer to demolition.

The application, submitted by Carmarthenshire Council and given the green light at a planning meeting last week, was for outline planning permission.

The plea for consent came despite worries over sewage disposal and the fact that one objector felt it should be used as a community centre and the land adjacent, where the two homes will be built, as a car park.

But county planners dismissed these fears, as well as concern over the future of the building itself.

Dealing with the possible demolition of the school, planning officer Kevin Phillips said: "This is not a material consideration as to whether the proposed dwellings are acceptable at the site.

"The school building is indicated as being within the ownership of the council and there are no details in relation to its demolition conveyed in the application."

He added: "The use of the application site as a car park is dependant upon the proposed use of the school building.

"As this is not for consideration in this application, it would be unreasonable to obstruct the proposed residential use on grounds that a use may require it.

Mr Phillips concluded: "On balance therefore, and after careful examination of the site and its surrounding environs, together with the representation received, it is considered that the proposal represents an acceptable form of residential development which will be in-keeping with the general character and appearance of the surrounding area."