PROTESTERS opposing plans to build 336 new homes on the outskirts of Ammanford are being urged to attend a site visit by councillors in a bid to highlight the strength of feeling against the development.

Members of Carmarthenshire county council’s planning committee are due to visit the Tirychen Farm site near Penybanc at 10.15am on Tuesday, December 18, before returning to County Hall to approve or reject the scheme.

County planning officers have already recommended the committee back the development.

However, should the project be given the green light at county level it appears almost certain to then be “called-in” by the Assembly after officials told the Guardian that national planners were already monitoring the scheme.

Opposition groups say the development will “swamp” Penybanc and claim key concerns raised with the county have gone unanswered, including access for emergency vehicles, public rights of way, land ownership and the loss of half a hectare of broadleaf woodland.

“These issues need to be taken on board and explained,” said opposition leader Chris Green.

Meanwhile, county councillor Alun Davies urged residents to make the most of the site visit and subsequent debate to drive home their opposition.

“We are asking people to go to the site visit and attend the planning meeting afterwards to show their views,” said Cllr Davies.

He said residents keen to voice their opposition should meet at the entrance to Tirychen Farm – also known as Bowdler’s Farm – from10am on Tuesday.

He also said he expected the plans to been called-in by Cardiff Bay should they receive approval.

“If the planning committee approves the development it looks like the Assembly will call it in,” he said.