New access road at Sarnau Mansion, Llysonnen Road, Carmarthen

What was proposed

A new access road and track would serve the mansion and equestrian use, while the existing access arrangements would be permanently closed.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the formation of a new vehicular access and access track to serve Sarnau Mansion and its associated equestrian use, together with the permanent closure of the existing access arrangements. The proposed access would be taken directly from Llysonnen Road and would extend northwards through the application field, broadly following the alignment of the existing mature tree line.”

“The existing access serving Sarnau Mansion would be permanently closed to vehicular traffic, with arrangements made to ensure continued access to neighbouring properties.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a field beside a Grade II listed mansion, within a smallholding used for keeping and grazing horses.

“The application site relates to land associated with Sarnau Mansion, Llysonnen Road, Bancyfelin, located to the east of the village and outside any defined development limits. The site comprises a field enclosure positioned to the south of the main dwelling, which fronts directly onto Llysonnen Road and is defined by a combination of hedgerows and a mature tree line along its north-western boundary.”

“Sarnau Mansion itself is a Grade II listed former Georgian residence, forming part of a wider smallholding comprising pastureland and a range of outbuildings. The holding is currently used for equestrian purposes, with the land utilised for the keeping and grazing of horses, and the majority of the outbuildings functioning as stabling.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and works

Earlier access proposals were refused or withdrawn, while permission for stables and an agricultural store was granted and substantially completed.

“Planning permission was granted in May 2021 (PL/01029) for the construction of a purpose- built stable block and agricultural store, which has since been substantially completed and is now operational.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal would harm the listed building’s setting and lacked sufficient drainage information.

“Considerable importance and weight has been given to the statutory duty under Section 66(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. It is concluded that the proposal would fail to preserve the setting of the listed building and would result in harm to its significance.”

“The proposed development, by reason of the formation of a new access and the permanent closure of the existing historic access, would result in the loss of the designed approach to Sarnau Mansion, a Grade II listed building, and would detrimentally alter its setting in a manner that would harm its significance.”

Officer report

What people said

No public representations were received, while the local member supported the application because of highway, flooding and heritage considerations.

“Local Member(s) - County Councillor for the Trelech Electoral Division and member of the Planning Committee, Cllr Jean Lewis, has called in the application on grounds that: -”

“Built Heritage Officer - The Built Heritage Officer raises a recommendation of refusal, advising that the proposal would harm the setting of the Grade II listed Sarnau Mansion through the loss of its historic approach and the introduction of a large engineered access. The development is considered to fail to preserve the significance of the listed building and is therefore contrary to relevant heritage policies and statutory duties.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local member made a representation supporting the application after the senior officer presented the case.

Members’ consideration

Members noted the heritage objection but considered that the improved access would better meet highway standards and serve the property and enterprise.

“Note: These minutes are subject to confirmation at the next meeting. The Senior Development Management Officer and Built Heritage Officer responded to the issues raised during consideration of the report.”

“It was proposed and duly seconded that the application should be granted on grounds that whilst the built heritage objection was noted, the balance weighed in favour of creating an improved access that better meets highway standards and would better serve the property and the existing enterprise noting as well that the physical form of the historic access would remain.”

Minutes