TOWY Valley cricketers could soon have a new venue after appealing to county planners to grant consent for a field to be laid in Llanwrda.

The application, made by K Evans of the village's cricket club, is for the pitch on land at Cwmbran Farm and will be decided at a Carmarthenshire Council planning meeting tomorrow (Thursday).

One letter of objection has been received, citing concerns over the poor condition of the road, stating that the traffic generated by the proposal requires improvements to the road.

Allaying these fears, planning officer Kevin Phillips said: "The head of transport supports the proposal subject to three highway conditions and three observations in relation to signage and surface water disposal."

Cadw had also voiced concern over the fact that the proposed development touches on a scheduled ancient monument known as Cwm-Bran Camp.

Their concern surrounded an area immediately alongside the monument for car parking, but after consulting with the club, this issue has now been resolved.

The proposal involves cutting the grass in the field to permit a reasonable area of ground for cricket. Part of the site is to be used for parking during practice and matches.

In addition, a roller and grass cutting machine are to be stored at the site and a notice board is in place to show the scores.

Recommending approval, Mr Phillips said: "The applicant has been unable to secure an appropriate lease for land adjacent to the village. Also there are topography issues for the proposal in a locality close to the village.

"It is not possible to provide the cricket ground within the development limits due to the nature and the size of the ground required. Therefore, a countryside location in this instance is essential."