AN application to bring an old Amman Valley home back into habitable use has been approved by the council.

The application was submitted by Lloyd Copper for Cwm Garenig Farm on the U4303 from Glanamman to be repaired and for works to allow the former dwelling to be reoccupied.

The application was previously refused in February, 2023, for the derelict farmhouse but has now been approved.

The plans included the walls would be made from the existing stone, brick and smooth render, with the existing slate roof and doors will be made of timber, the only change would be with the windows which would see the existing timber material replaced with UPVC.

The covering letter supporting the application states that the vacant two-storey farmhouse has a detached barn to the south and a two-storey element at the rear and is situated in around 20 acres of farmstead.

The letter highlights neighbouring properties including the four-bedroom traditional farm cottage at Banwen Farm and Glynderi Farm, a derelict bungalow that received recent planning permission to demolish and replace with a new property.

Initially planning permission was refused as it was accompanied by a structural report that did not robustly demonstrate the subject buildings are structurally sound and can be successfully converted without extensive alteration or re-construction in accordance with the Carmarthenshire local development plan and that the buildings had not been the subject of detailed forensic investigation and assessment, with all detailed repairs, replacement, reconstruction and remedial techniques not being thoroughly detailed and remediated.

There was also concern about affordable housing. The supporting letter for the new application states that there was no reason for refusal in terms of the principle of development or design and that the second reason for refusal can easily be overcome, and the new application has sought to address the previous reasons for refusal.

The plans – which were approved by the council on August 15 – state that there would be renovation and remedial works to bring the three-bedroom farmhouse back into habitable use. The design would reflect the former prime state and condition of the property to retain the traditional character and appearance and deliver a positive contribution to the landscape.

The rear lean-to section would be demolished and replaced with an extension and three car parking spaces will be created.

The application was approved on the basis of the work being started within five years of the approval and in line with the plans and some of the developments cannot take place without prior written approval from the local authority.