Plans for CK’s store in Bynea turned down

PLANS for a CK’s store at a former petrol station east of Llanelli have been turned down.

The food retailer’s proposal for Cwmfelin Road, Bynea, was said to have public support but Carmarthenshire Council planning officers said a transport statement should have accompanied the application and that people parking there would not be able to get in and out safely.

Planning officers also said that no evidence about potential land contamination at the site and its location in a defined coal mining area had been provided.

A design statement submitted on behalf of CK’s Foodstores had said the store was much-needed and that “verbal support has been evident from the community”. The development would, it said, reduce the amount of driving local people did in order to buy food.

The statement said the former petrol station also sold food before closing and was being used by a car sales company until 2017, since when the site has remained empty. The petrol station’s yellow overhead canopy has been dismantled for safety reasons.

“The proposal will create a very much needed shop area that will further serve the local community and passing trade and tourists alike,” said the statement.

Eleven parking spaces were proposed, including one disabled bay, and two electric vehicle charging points. There are two bus stops at the site, and Cwmfelin Road is close to Bynea train station. The shop would also have offered some post office services. The applicant can appeal the decision.