PLANS to demolish the former Amman Valley Hospital maternity unit and replace it with homes have been submitted.

The proposals, presented to Carmarthenshire County Council, would see the demolition of the former maternity unit, as well as 68 and 70 Tir Y Coed Road.

In their place, 28 new homes would be built.

A new access route would also be created for the development.

A public consultation on the plans launched last year, and initial suggestions went before Cwmaman Town Council.

Speaking in May, councillors expressed concerns about a number of flaws with in the plans.

They were concerned with the quantity of housing suggested, the increase in traffic on an already crowded road the development would create, and the impact it would have on schools and surgeries in the area which are already close to full capacity.

Councillors also highlighted problems with land drainage and the potential for flooding, and the fact that the suggested development would be taking place outside of development limits.

There have long been concerns about the derelict state of the former maternity unit, which have centred around youngsters getting access to the building and finding themselves at risk.

Last week Councillor Kevin Madge told the Guardian he either wanted to see improvements to the facility or it torn down.

He said: “This has been going on since 1984 really. The building was abandoned by the health authority.

“At the last council meeting the police were there and we have been bringing it up time and time again to see how we can tackle the problem and find a solution.

“Youngsters have been going through the fence and vandalising the building.

“It is unsafe and the people who own it should be doing all they can to make it safe, or it should be torn down.”