PLANS for 70 houses near Cross Hands have been given the green light.

The scheme marks the second phase of the Parc Emlyn housing development off Norton Road, Penygroes, which is north-east of Cross Hands.

The approved plans indicate 39 three-bedroom houses, 18 two-bed houses, five four-bed houses and eight two-bed flats.

The plot forms part of a large brownfield parcel of land which used to be a colliery and brickworks production site, which closed just over 20 years ago.

There will be 131 parking spaces, with access to the majority of the homes via a road off Norton Road built as part of the new estate.

Carmarthenshire Council has imposed 24 planning conditions, including a requirement for a landscape, ecological and environmental management plan to be approved before work starts.

The applicant, Parc Emlyn Developments, must also make a financial contribution for the purchase of an “open mosaic habitat” area equivalent to that which will be lost, and another contribution relating to the Caeau Mynydd Mawr special area of conservation.

Seven affordable homes must also be completed as part of phase two before the 35th house is occupied.

Two people living in phase one of the estate said they were concerned that access was via Norton Road instead of a new economic link road.

One of them said in an email to the planning department that it left him unsure of “the purpose of the relief road and the unnecessary environmental impact on the village”.

Meanwhile, a Norton Road resident said they were concerned the new homes could increase surface water flood risk.