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• Richard Griffith (Thursday, November 13 25 04:18 pm GMT)

  Planning Appeal Reference CAS-04401-M1Z2W2
  Dear Sir/Madam,
  
  As Secretary of Laugharne Rugby Football Club (LRFC) I am writing on behalf of the Committee, Players and Supporters many of whom have express their concerns about the decision to refuse the planning application above for the removal of a hedge and three trees from the field at Wooford Park.
  As you may be aware the facility at Wooford Park is shared by 2 organisations, LRFC being one of those. For several years, we have tried to better the field to improve facilities for LRFC and the other organisations, with little success.
  The re-development of this recreation ground will require a large investment, and we need it to be the best that can be achieved. We already struggle with pitch size and quality both from the rugby and cricket perspective. It would not be financially sound to invest into a ground that provides just the ‘minimum’ and that it the reason for extending the ground beyond the existing hedge line.
  Cancellation of any game though lack of drainage is also of great concern to the Rugby Club, this has occurred on several occasions and is getting worse.
  Over the last 3 years our 1st XV Rugby Team has been promoted from WRU National League 3 West to the WRU National League 1 West and to carry on to that standard and progress further we need pitches and facilities that reflect that achievement and promote future growth, we do not want to lose players to other local clubs though lack of facilities, we should provide them.
  LRFC are one of the founder members of the Laugharne Community Sports Association and the group has a draft development plan which would include additional facilities for the whole community, and this would be aided by the removal of the hedge and trees. It would allow adjustments to the layout so that the cricket club and the rugby club can have earlier and later starts to their seasons by not encroaching into one another’s play areas.
  We could have better parking within the field area, rather than the already congested roads around Orchard Park.
  The school would also benefit with parking available for the teachers, having playing areas for the children etc.
  
  We hope that you will overturn the Carmarthenshire County Councils decision to refuse this planning application so that we as a club can move forward with our plans for the future of rugby and sports in the local community.
  Yours Faithfully
  Richard Griffith - Hon-Secretary LRFC

• Paul J. Lewis (Tuesday, November 11 25 12:39 pm GMT)

  I would urge the appeal to be allowed and planning permission to be granted for the following reasons.
  1. Laugharne is a growing community and the sports facilities need to be upgraded to mirror that growth. We need to think about future generations and leave a legacy for them. The support for this development is across the community as reflected in the make up of the Laugharne Community Sports Association which has representatives of both sports clubs, the local school, Laugharne Corporation and the local council.
  2. The footpath to Broadway provides a safe route between Broadway and Laugharne for all pedestrians. If it has to revert to the previous situation, it's a matter of time before someone is killed.
  3. Whilst the loss of trees is regrettable, the developer has promised to replace them with healthy young trees which will benefit future generations.
  4. As a member of the Laugharne RFC committee and as the treasurer of Laugharne Community Sports Association, I know that the determination and expertise to follow through with this development is clearly evident in the community and therefore urge that the appeal be allowed.

• D G JENKINS (Tuesday, November 11 25 11:43 am GMT)

  The granting of planning permission for this development is of vital importance for the future of Laugharne Township .All stakeholders which obviously includes all the youngsters of the town and outlying areas can only benefit from this most sensible planning application .I have lived here for over 72 years .Progress of this nature should be encouraged and supported.

• Shane Williams (Tuesday, November 11 25 10:33 am GMT)

  I am chairman of cricket club and have a long association with the rugby club. My son plays both cricket and rugby.
  I of course fully support the development and sincerely hope a compromise can be reached between the LA, developer and sports association, noting the challenges and comparisons of complying with regulations within the county and beyond.
  I feel the facilities in the current state leave our younger generation down, particularly when there is a challenging environment with on line activity v health, exercise and the importance of team sport, safeguarding and cohesion within the community, which the proposed plans would support!
  This is a once in a generation opportunity with strong support of the developer to future proof and provide facilities for many years to come - all of the community will benefit!
  In summary and taking account of regulations, planning and ratio of affordable housing etc, the attraction to reside in Laugharne would be very limiting for younger families if this opportunity is not taken - i know the LA are at the very heart of communities across Carmarthenshire and of course this is not only about Laugharne - It also reflects on developing the county and making Carmarthenshire an attractive place to live and bring up a family - graduates returning to live in their grass roots. I am proud to live in Laugharne and Carmarthenshire.

• James Allen (Sunday, November 09 25 07:25 pm GMT)

  This proposed development would greatly benefit the whole community of Laugharne. As a member of the cricket club and a coach of the junior section it is clear that the facilities desperately need to be developed. A proposed development would secure the long term vision of the club and provide solid foundations to continue to build the club.

• Shaun Lynch (Saturday, November 08 25 09:14 pm GMT)

  This proposal represents a unique and exciting opportunity to secure the long-term future of both rugby and cricket in our town, ensuring that these well-established sports continue to thrive at every level. By creating facilities that meet modern demands, we can provide a foundation on which junior and senior teams can grow and succeed for generations to come. Improved pitches, training spaces, and community amenities will enable more young people to be active, develop new skills, and remain involved in sport throughout their lives.
  
  Importantly, this project is not solely about sport—it is about strengthening the fabric of our community. The development will provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together. Alongside rugby and cricket, the facilities will offer new opportunities for a wide range of social groups, clubs, and community organisations to engage in activities that support health, wellbeing, and social connection. By integrating multiple user groups, the site will become a vibrant community hub, active year-round.
  
  The investment delivered through this planning application will directly benefit the local economy, attract new visitors, and build pride in our town’s sporting and social achievements. It will future-proof essential community assets at a time when many similar clubs face increasing pressures. Approving this proposal means backing a progressive and sustainable vision—one that protects our sporting heritage while creating new pathways for participation, engagement, and growth.
  
  Ultimately, this development will deliver far-reaching benefits that extend well beyond the boundary lines of a pitch. It is an opportunity to nurture community spirit, improve wellbeing, and provide a lasting legacy for future generations. We strongly believe that this plan is in the best interests of the town and its residents and respectfully invite the council to support this vital step forward.

• Rob Pearce (Friday, November 07 25 08:25 pm GMT)

  I live in Laugharne and have been involved in sports teams in Laugharne for many years. In recent years the facilities available for Laugharne sports teams has become extremely sub standard and do not provide opportunities to expand the potential to run more clubs especially at junior and youth levels. Our children currently have to play for neighbouring teams when the preferred option would be for them to play sports alongside their peers and for their own community teams. My children had extremely limited opportunities to take part in sports in primary school also due to the lack of facilities available to the school.The benefits of this development especially for younger members of our community is crucial.

• Angie Pearce (Friday, November 07 25 07:04 pm GMT)

  I too am a local resident and a long standing supporter of Laugharne Rugby Club.
  Over the years i have watched youngsters work their way through the ranks of LRFC and been very proud to do so, but the present facilities no longer reflect all the hard - work which the Players and Members of Both Clubs deserve!
  Everything else about our little town has been upgraded at some point, yet one which is used every week is STILL in a time warp!
  These facilities desperately need updating, so all our Children, other Organisations and Visitors to our community will benefit.
  I ask you to please re-think your decision and approve this application.

• John Pearce (Friday, November 07 25 04:39 pm GMT)

  I am a local resident, former player and long standing memeber of Laugharne Rugby Club.
  
  I cannot understand why the Planning Dept. at Carmarthen Coucil are obecting to this application ?
  This is the chance for our generation to leave a lasting legacy in the Township.
  
  Both clubs at present are STILL using the same facilities which our Fathers and Grandfathers put there !
  
  The additional benefits of the Footpath from Broadway to Orchard Park has been needed for the last 30+ years and the carpark and land would help secure the future of the School.
  
  So, I urge you to Reconsider this Application and the Benefit it will bring to the whole of our Community.

• Peter Hill (Thursday, November 06 25 07:36 pm GMT)

  I am the chair of the LCSA and Secretary for laugharne athletic cricket club.
  
  The proposed development would bring substantial improvements for the rugby, cricket club and wider community. The plans allow for improved facilities for players and a larger and improved cricket pitch.
  
  We find it bizarre that one of the grounds for rejection was that these benefits were ‘theoretical’. The proposals allow for a change of ownership of the field that would allow for grant applications to finance the improvements. The additional benefits of a footpath and land to the school are within the original application.
  
  The refusal on grounds of biodiversity appears to have taken no consideration of the proposed additional plantation of trees that would more than offset any losses.
  
  I urge you to reconsider the application and the substantial community benefits that it will bring.

• Jon Tregenna (Thursday, November 06 25 11:35 am GMT)

  Laugharne Township Community Council has allowed this.

• Thomas McCabe (Tuesday, November 04 25 04:32 pm GMT)

  My name is Thomas McCabe and I am the current chairman of Laugharne RFC.
  I have been involved in the rugby club as a player and committee members since 1975. The rugby club has been the heart of the community during this time. However, I have resided in StClears all my life which demonstrates the immense value that the provision of a sporting facility in Laugharne is not only to the benefit of the immediate community but also a much wider catchment area.
  The current facilities have not changed since I started playing in 1975 and the development of Wooford Park Laugharne for sporting and recreational use is long overdue. The community has been trying to improve the facilities for all residents for over 20 years but we have been prevented from doing this due to planning and ownership issues throughout this time. The existing facilities are absolutely not fit for purpose, and we need to ensure that future generations have the opportunity exercise and take part in sporting activities.
  Numerous peer reviewed studies demonstrate that exercise is beneficial to physical and mental health and wellbeing. The provision of modern facilities is needed to attract and encourage individuals of all ages from the community and surrounding area to partake in exercise of many forms.
  I am also an ardent conservationist and abhor the destruction of our countryside. In this instance, the response by the planning authority view the removal of 6 mature trees, one oak, one sycamore and 4 ash sufficient grounds to refuse the planning permission as it will be contrary to Policies SP1, GP1, EQ4 and SP14 of the Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan in that it does not protect and enhance the areas biodiversity and retain important local features. It should be noted the ash trees are affected by ash die back and they should be removed irrespective to the planning application due to the danger of falling limbs. Permission to remove other dangerous sycamore trees on the site has already been granted.
  
  Policy SP1 establishes the overarching principle of sustainable development in the county. It ensures that development is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. The planning application included the replacement details. If the council viewed these were not sufficient a discussion with the applicant could have resolved the issue.
  New trees and hedgerows using native species would be planted to mitigate the loss of these trees which will respect the character, appearance, and integrity of the surrounding area. Also the areas adjoining the sports field could be protected and enhanced provide biodiversity and ensure nature conservation.
  My concern is that the community benefits attached to the planning application will also be lost due to this refusal, namely:
  • to provide an attractive, safe place that promotes well-being and integrated communities for future generations.
  • Improved highway safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • The opportunity for the council to develop the local primary school.
  Another reason for refusing the permission was that the community would not be able to realise the development of the sports field due to a lack of funds. However, whether funding is achievable or not is surely NOT a matter to be considered by the planning process.
  The intention is to transfer the ownership of the sports field to the Laugharne Corporation which in turn can provide a long-term lease to the Laugharne Community Sports Association. A long lease from will allow grant funding (National Lottery, Sports Council Wales, etc) to make essential improvements and allow construction of a sports pavilion/club for the community. I therefore view it was totally inappropriate for the future funding issue to have been taken into consideration when assessing the planning application.

• lyn evans (Tuesday, November 04 25 11:44 am GMT)

  I am a resident in Laugharne and wish to support this development as it would then secure the sports field for community use, with the fitness and well being of our community benefiting . Also the benefits of the scheme are most welcome, especially the footpath to Broadway which has been requested for many years as at the moment you have to walk on the road to reach Broadway from Laugharne putting lives at risk. I really hope you reconsider your original decision and pass this development.

• Paula Simkiss (Tuesday, November 04 25 07:51 am GMT)

  I have lived all my life in this area, and I urge you to please reconsider the refusal of Laugharne playing field and much needed development, for the well-being and safety to all residents of this extremely rare and quaint Township. To reject the application for this proposal again, is totally unacceptable. and preposterous, to think the safety of the children and parents isn’t even a consideration! A safe path to ensure children get to school without having to dodge vehicles as they have to use the road currently, is this not enough? Surely children and parents have the right for safe access, to encourage children to walk and cycle to school, with all the health benefits that brings! The parking will also enable massive safety improvements.
  
  
  This forward thinking proposal to enhance the lives of the community , young and old, which has for decades provided Laugharne and School with sporting opportunities, (I know you are ploughing money into digital access for children, but we need them to run, play, explore, and smell the outdoors, a much safer , healthier environment ) a meeting place for families and friends to encourage them to watch, take part in and support our community in outdoor activities, including
  Rugby and Cricket , a true highlight , that brings the community together with a very social , healthy aspect with the well-being of the community at the forefront. We have to think of our future generations, and to keep the traditions of this Township alive. By providing decent changing facilities , and safe car parking for all those involved.
  This is a strong community which has been renowned for its sporting traditions and community spirit. We need these proposals to go ahead, to build a safe space to encourage the well being of all the community and the surrounding communities who support the Township.
  Make it your decision to allow a positive impact on your doorstep to keep communities thriving

• Jeff Evans (Tuesday, November 04 25 12:38 am GMT)

  I have lived in Laugharne for 20 years and a Vice President of the Rugby Club. I'm supporting the development to go ahead as the Rugby Club and Cricket Club are both important to the social fabric of the area and the only real sporting facility we have . Regarding the reasons for rejecting the proposal I can't see for the life of me how more development for the school , additional parking, a footpath to Broadway (which at present is an accident waiting to happen) do not constitute benefits to the community! If the refusal were to be overturned it would enable the sporting field to be used for many future generations, benefiting the local population's fitness and well being.

• Rhys Thomas (Monday, November 03 25 05:19 pm GMT)

  Sport is the heartbeat of the community. There is a massive emphasis on getting people active especially the younger generation so it is a no brianer to ensure that facilities are modernised and kept up to date to be there for future generations. Lots of neighbouring towns have done so and Laugharne is really falling behind with the standard of the facilities.

• Marc jones (Monday, November 03 25 05:08 pm GMT)

  As a player and local i hope we can allow this appeal and grant application as it is key to the survival of our club. The club has grown over the last decade and this planning is key to the future of the next generation.

• DONALD AVERY (Monday, November 03 25 02:05 pm GMT)

  As mayor of laugharne counsellor Don Avery I strongly agree that planning permission should be permitted for the Woodford Playing fields in laugharne .It would be sad to see all the sporting activities disappear as what would the youngsters do .I have played sport all my life and it is so important that these sports carry on .can you please reconsider your refusal thank you

• Wayne John (Monday, November 03 25 09:29 am GMT)

  I was born and bred in Laugharne and incredibly proud to have represented both the rugby and cricket club for a number of years and also attended the primary school. I would strongly urge you to reconsider your decision. Laugharne is such a beautiful and unique place and sport is the hub. Whoever actually makes these decisions must have visited the site and viewed the existing facilities which are absolutely not fit for purpose. We need to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to play sport both for their physical and mental health. Do the right thing reverse your decision it can be your legacy

• Robert Jenkins (Sunday, November 02 25 02:00 pm GMT)

  The benefits of the planing application far outweigh the refusal of the planing application. I have played rugby for Laugharne and cricket for Laugharne and still turn out for the cricket team when needed.. The facilities desperately need updating and improving. It is so obvious that the application needs passing

• Martin Sanders (Sunday, November 02 25 12:29 pm GMT)

  I am a resident of Laugharne and would ask you to reconsider your decision to reject the application and allow this much needed development. The proposal will enhance the lives of the community for decades.
  I have been involved with rugby for most of my life and last 37 years I have been involved as a member and a Trustee of Wooden Spoon the children’s charity of Rugby . I have seen first hand how rugby and community benefits the physical and mental strength of individuals and family. Provision of suitable facilities are the foundation of this support. I do understand the department’s issues associated with the application, however, I believe that measure can be put in place to mitigate to resolve these . Please review and I ask you to reverse your decision.

• Rhodri rees (Sunday, November 02 25 11:45 am GMT)

  I have been associated with Laugharne for many years and I’m currently Laugharne rfc captain.
  
  We are writing to appeal for your consideration and support in establishing a new clubhouse for our community.
  
  The proposed clubhouse will not only improve changing and training facilities but also create a welcoming social space that can be used by local schools, charities, and community organisations.
  This will strengthen the club’s role as a true community hub.
  
  Also give future generation better facilities to use, to hopefully carry on the success we have over the last few years.

• Martyn john (Sunday, November 02 25 11:31 am GMT)

  As I have grown up in Laugharne went to Laugharne school my self and now my kids go there it would benefit them to have a safe place to play. And keep the rugby going in Laugharne

• David Griffith (Saturday, November 01 25 07:15 pm GMT)

  Having been born and bred in Laugharne and seen my children attend Laugharne school and now my grandchild, I feel the benefits that would be gained by Laugharne school and the community far outweighs the reasons for the refusal of planning. I urge the council to consider changing their decision and grant planning to benefit the health and wellbeing of the community and its children

• Julia Phillips (Friday, October 31 25 03:23 pm GMT)

  I am a resident of Laugharne and have lived here for over 40 years. My two sons were born here and attended Laugharne Primary School, and played rugby for Laugharne as children and through to the 1stXV. They are now in their forties and throughout their lifetime have longed for improvements to the sporting facilities.
  The development of Wooford Park Laugharne for sporting and recreational use is long overdue. The community has been trying to improve the facilities for our children for over 20 years.
  We have been prevented from doing this due to planning and ownership issues throughout this time.
  Fortunately for us the land is under new ownership. The new owners, San Cler Properties, are committed to assisting the community in developing this land for sporting and recreational use, and to this end have pledged the leasehold to the community This will allow the tenants, Laugharne Community Sports Association to apply for grants and funding to start the development of new facilities.
  This is currently being delayed yet again by Carmarthenshire CC Planning dept for reasons which can easily be overcome through dialogue, discussion and compromise. I ask that you allow this appeal.

• Lisa Pearce (Friday, October 31 25 11:30 am GMT)

  It’s such a shame that the Council can’t see the benefits this project would deliver to a rural community. The rugby club has been the hub of the community for many years and this will ensure young and old can enjoy the new facilities for many years to come.

• Dom Davies (Friday, October 31 25 10:39 am GMT)

  The rugby club has been at the heart of the of the community for years, providing sporting opportunities for children and adults in the local area. The proposed developments will not only secure the future of rugby in the Laugharne, but will also provide an ideal setting for other sports clubs, the local school and community events.
  
  The improvements will:
  - Benefit multiple sports by offering high-quality facilities suitable for training, games and events.
  - Support the local school by giving the pupils access to a safe, modern space for physical education and extracurricular activities.
  - Encourage health and wellbeing in the local community
  - Improve accessibility through upgraded parking and changing facilities.
  
  This project represents a valuable investment to our communities health, infrastructure and youth development. I hope this decision is reconsidered by the council.

• Richie Waters (Friday, October 31 25 10:32 am GMT)

  I’ve grown up in Laugharne and played Rugby for Laugharne RFC for most of my life. The current facilities are not up to standard and need development. This would give a modern, up to date facility for local sports teams and the local community.

• Carwyn Jones-Morris (Friday, October 31 25 10:05 am GMT)

  The club has been an important part of our community for many years, providing opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in sport, stay active, and build friendships. The existing facilities are no longer adequate for the number of players, teams, and community groups that use them, and a new clubhouse is essential for the club’s future sustainability.
  
  The proposed clubhouse will not only improve changing and training facilities but also create a welcoming social space that can be used by local schools, charities, and community organisations. This will strengthen the club’s role as a true community hub.
  
  I therefore urge the council to approve this application so that Laugharne Rugby Club can continue to make a positive contribution to sport and community life in Laugharne.

• Thomas waters (Friday, October 31 25 09:51 am GMT)

  As somebody who has grown up in laugharne and played rugby for laugharne most mg life and continue to do so this is vital to the development and survival of the local sport teams

• Josie simkiss (Friday, October 31 25 09:44 am GMT)

  I am a resident of Laugharne and hope that you reconsider your decision- these improvements are desperately needed to improve facilities for the young people of this area.

• Mark Pearce (Friday, October 31 25 09:23 am GMT)

  I live away currently but originally from Laugharne. I fully support this planning application as it presents an important opportunity to strengthen Laugharne’s community. The proposal would deliver much-needed, modern sports and recreational facilities for all ages, encouraging health and fitness. Existing facilities are outdated, and this project would finally provide Laugharne with the quality amenities it truly deserves. I feel all the benefits out weight any negatives.

• Catherine Simkiss (Friday, October 31 25 09:22 am GMT)

  I have grown up in Laugharne and am now a club member. I would love to see improved facilities which are long overdue and vital to the community. Laugharne's facilities are well behind our neighbours. I feel the benefits to the community in this plan outweigh any reasons not to allow the development.

• Mikey Williams (Friday, October 31 25 09:16 am GMT)

  I’ve been playing rugby in Laugharne for 13 years and also on the Laugharne rfc committee. Wooford park is a vital part of Laugharne, the facilities need updating and the reasons for refusal are not justified compared to what the community will benefit.

• Susan Pearce (Thursday, October 30 25 11:27 pm GMT)

  I am a lifelong resident of Laugharne whose family members have used the field for many years and hopefully will still be using it in the future. I wholeheartedly support this appeal and hope the Council will reverse their decision. It is so important that this Township has good sporting facilities for both young and old, which would be of great benefit to the community.
  as a whole.
  Please reconsider your views on this planning application.
  Many thanks.
  Susan Pearce

• Dirk Simkiss (Thursday, October 30 25 10:52 pm GMT)

  They won’t fix a blocked drai outside my house let alone give something to the community to benefit future generations 😡

• Chris Reynolds (Tuesday, October 28 25 10:12 am GMT)

  I think this is a very narrow minded take, we all need to embrace outdoors and fitness for our wellbeing, also encouraging children to exercise and be healthy

• Deborah John (Sunday, October 26 25 08:26 pm GMT)

  As a lifelong resident of Laugharne with family members who would benefit from the use of the field I would like to wholeheartedly support this appeal and hope that the council reconsiders this decision. For many years there have been very basic facilities for the community which have been post war in appearance. The community has had many hopes but disappointments with this land over many years and this is an opportunity to reinvigorate the facilities available in Laugharne and bring life to a very dated facility. Laugharne residents deserve the opportunity to make proper use of this land and the sports facilities that this will provide are invaluable for future generations. Please consider this opportunity realistically and for the benefits of the community for years to come.
  
  I feel the benefits to the community (I live in orchard park) outweigh any reasons not to allow the development and want to ensure that Laugharne remains a living town with families encouraged with opportunities for locals and children to have sports facilities close by.

• Richard Griffith (Saturday, October 25 25 07:02 pm BST)

  I am a resident of Laugharne and the secretary of Laugharne Rugby Football Club.
  My daughter is considering moving to Laugharne and is looking at sending my granddaughter to Laugharne Primary School.
  
  I have seen the reasons for refusal to the planning request and feel that the removal of the hedge and trees can be justified in order to expand the size of the field to accommodate better facilities for the people in the township.
  We have an abundance of flora and fauna in the township and what we don’t have is the following:
  1. Parking for School.
  2. Decent sports facilities for School.
  3. Decent sports facilities for people living or visiting Laugharne.
  4.Parking for people using said sports facilities.
  5. When the field planning is agreed to we can then have a lease or ownership to allow us to apply for grants which will greatly assist the development of sports in and around the township.
  
  I ask that planning department looks into this in great detail and the needs of the community rather than just applying a rule to deny the planning request.

• Tony Rees (Thursday, October 23 25 07:33 am BST)

  Thank you for forwarding, albeit disappointing news about the refusal of planning application referenced above and I herewith wish to appeal as detailed below:-
  
  Just to add to the personal details I provided with my previous e-mail which was in support of the planning application; I am a retired Senior Project Manager having spent over forty years working on the supervision of major motorways both in UK and overseas.
  
  Whilst I understand the importance of biodiversity in today's climate of sustainability there are other factors that I believe are relevant to be considered, with all due respect, do not appear to have much mention in your report. One very salient point is that this application is for the benefit and wellbeing of the local community. It is very important for those both young and old to have good and up to date sports and exercise facilities. It is clearly evident that the current facilities have not changed much from my playing days over 50 years ago. The township of Laugharne is steeped in history and deserves to have improved leisure facilities for the present and the future. It is my opinion that there is a balance to be achieved between the planning regulations and the needs of the local community, and I would trust that this is given further due consideration in the reappraisal of the planning application.
  
  I have, over the last twenty years or so, as the most senior consulting engineer's representative on site, have had to make difficult environment decisions to balance progress and at the same time being mindful of sustainability and biodiversity. I would like to think that we as one team, working together, of Client, Contractor and Consultant have achieved this on all my projects. Having had the opportunity of playing rugby and cricket in Laugharne, it has stood me in good stead throughout my adult life and given me lots of good memories, no more so than seeing the rugby team climbing up the leagues over the last few seasons and it surly is of great importance that these players have the opportunity to play, train and use compliant and modern facilities, it must be disheartening for them to see much better facilities at the away grounds that they play.
  
  I feel sure that LCSA can make some further suggestions in respect of the environment to overcome your concerns over the loss of the trees mentioned in your report, surly a satisfactory solution can be found to both allow the planning application to be approved and the township of Laugharne and its wonderful community to appreciate an upgraded sports facility for everyone to be proud of. Should this happen, I would be happy to provide a couple to tree saplings in loving memory of my late Dad, Councilor Reggie Rees and his fellow Councilor and great friend Frankie John.
  
  Finally, in these trying times for UK and the rest of the world, I believe it is very relevant and necessary that local communities are provided with the facilities where they can get together exercise and support their children and young adults to make Wales great again. I hope and pray that you are able to look positively on this much needed application. I know that this community works very hard of providing the functions that get the community together and approval of this application will make it so much better in so many different ways.
  
  
  
  sincere thanks
  
  
  
  Tony Rees

• George Phillips (Monday, October 20 25 10:49 am BST)

  I refer to my previous statement and wish to include that I am a local resident and have been a member of Laugharne Rugby Club for over 55 years

• George Phillips (Monday, October 20 25 10:46 am BST)

  This refusal is not justifiable when considered against the benefits to the community.
  No value can be attributed to the cost of the land which will be gifted to the community, thus safeguarding and improving the sporting, recreational and social benefits to the community of Laugharne for generations to come.
  Our facilities are totally inadequate and need improvement.We have been trying to achieve this for over 20 years. The Planning Officers comments that the Public benefits are deemed theoretical and un achievable highlights his complete lack of knowledge of the history of this application and the efforts of the community in trying to improve the facilities.
  The absence of a footpath between Laugharne and Broadway is an ‘accident waiting to happen’. It will be too late when a child is killed or injured whilst walking to school. The developer is prepared to provide this.
  The opportunity to aquire land for future development of school facilities cannot be ignored.
  How can it be said that biodiversity net benefit cannot be demonstrated when there has been the offer to transplant the trees in question and plant substantially more new trees.
  I ask that you consider that the massive community benefits outweighs the views and opinion of one planning officer.

• Mr David R Pearce (Monday, October 20 25 10:13 am BST)

  I am a resident of Laugharne and Rugby Club Member, also secretary of LCSA.
  
  I respectfully urges Planning and Environment Decisions Wales to allow
  this appeal and grant planning permission.
  
  The proposed development is viable, policy-compliant, and essential to
  the future of Laugharne. We strongly object to the Council’s refusal
  and believe it does not reflect the needs, aspirations, or best
  interests of our community.
  
  Thank you for considering our views.
  
  Yours sincerely,
  
  David Pearce