Court ruling frees up Stradey Park development

A housing development on the site of Llanelli’s former Stradey Park rugby ground is now free to go ahead following a High Court ruling.

Developer Taylor Wimpey was originally granted planning permission by Carmarthen County Council to build 355 homes in 2007.

A Judicial Review claim was lodged last year by a protester arguing that the council had been in breach of environmental regulations and other points relating to planning matters.

Reserved matters had been approved by the council following outline planning permission previously granted by the Welsh Assembly following a public inquiry into the scheme

High Court Judge Milwyn Jarman ruled in favour of the local authority and dismissed all four challenges brought against Carmarthenshire County Council by Thomas Hughes, a cockle picker, of Llanrhidian, Gower.

Three main grounds were considered by the Judge – that the council had breached Habitat Regulations; that the council’s head of planning had exceeded his delegated authority by approving reserved matters; and that the council had failed to comply with its own policies on flooding.

Council leader councillor Meryl Gravell said: “This is a good result – we are very happy with the judgment. This issue has been dragging on for a long time, so it is pleasing that we can now move forward.”

Morag Ellis Q.C. appeared for Taylor Wimpey

Geoffrey Stephenson appeared for Carmarthen County Council

Anthony Porten Q.C. advised Charles Church who made written submissions rather than appearing at this stage