PLANS to build 35 homes in a Carmarthenshire village have been turned down.

A 35-home development was planned east of Carmarthen in Nantgaredig, sparking strong opposition.

An application for the Nantgaredig scheme off Station Road was submitted to Carmarthenshire Council nearly four years ago following preliminary discussions with planning officers.

Six of the 35 properties would have been affordable; the remaining 29 three, four and five-bedroom homes would have been for sale on the open market.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of applicants Life Property Group Ltd said the land in question – semi-improved grassland – was allocated for the development of around 30 homes.

It said the scheme would require a section of hedgerow and a tree to make way for a new T-junction onto Station Road but new planting would be carried out.

The statement also said the applicants recognised an education contribution to the council would be required plus, at the request of the community, some off-site recreational facilities.

It added: “The development has also been shown to be capable of being served by an appropriate means of access and level of car parking that will not result in any detriment to existing or proposed users of the local highway network.”

There was, it said, also a bus stop within walking distance.

Many people living the area were concerned about the impact on traffic on Station Road and also claimed the development would increase the village’s population by a third and change its character for the worse.

Around 130 residents signed a petition opposing the plans, and they have now been turned down on the grounds that Life Property Group Ltd hadn’t entered into a legal agreement with the county council to contribute towards education and highways, the provision of off-site recreational space, and 20% affordable housing.

A spokesman on behalf of the applicants said they were disappointed with the refusal.

“We remain committed to working closely with the council and other stakeholders to address any concerns and ensure that our projects align with the needs and expectations of the community,” he said.

“We are particularly focused on developing several sites in Carmarthenshire, where we aim to provide high-quality housing options for local residents.”