We have been campaigning to save Llanerch Recreation Field for over 2 years from Carmarthenshire County Council. Our Council is Green grabbing any available open green spaces to build houses or new schools. 

Llanelli will become a concrete jungle if we do not fight to keep these Green spaces for future generations to enjoy.  

Our case

Our Council own the land, want to build on the land and give themselves Planning Permission to do so, regardless of over 800 online objections and a 1250 paper petition the site proposed. 

The planning application raises planning issues, given that the application site is allocated in the Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan under policy REC1 Protection of Open Space. Strategic policy in this regard is covered by policy SP16 Community Facilities. Paragraph 5.9.131 states, in part, as follows:- ‘Community facilities contribute significantly to the quality of life, enjoyment and inclusivity of settlements and communities within the County. In this regard, their potential loss should be carefully considered given consequential impacts in terms of sustainability and community identity. The protection and retention of community facilities should, wherever feasible, be considered and responsive approaches adopted to assist in their retention.’

This facility is a community open space. Based on this alone, the development is clearly contrary to LDP policy REC1.

Sport Wales submitted comments on the proposal as part of the pre‐application consultation requesting evidence there is sufficient playing fields in the area to accommodate the loss of Llanerch Playing Field which Carmarthenshire County Council responded with: "The communities of Llanelli will benefit from the use of shared facilities." However, listed under the main benefits of the preferred option is that the site will release cash from ‘INCOME FROM COMMNUNITY USE OF FACILITIES.’ 

Llanerch is an area of multiple deprivation - surely taking away free open space, erecting a fence then charging the community to use it is inappropriate?

The value of green space played no part in Carmarthenshire County Council’s decision to develop Llanerch Recreation Field.

Why are we raising funds?

Our Community would like to challenge Carmarthenshire County Council decision to build the new school on our much loved and much used Llanerch Recreation Field but need funds to do so.  We would be very grateful if you could help us fight to keep all Open Green Spaces free to enjoy for future generations to come.

Thank you!