PLANS to turn a Pontrhydfendigaid front garden into a parking area could endanger schoolchildren, it was claimed this week.

Ceredigion County Council’s planning committee has approved a plan for “improved access and parking arrangements” at 1 and 3 Llysteg, Bridge Street, which will see two front walls on the semi-detached properties demolished and the two front gardens turned into a single parking area.

The plan was approved after a site inspection by members of the committee on 22 April, also attended by concerned residents and community councillors, who said there were serious issues regarding its proximity to an already unsafe junction and along a route used by children going to and from school.

Notes from the meeting reveal that after committee members withdrew for a closed discussion, Cllr Mark Strong was the only member who was against the development outright, with other councillors happy to accept a compromise which would limit the number of cars able to park there to three instead of five.

A majority of the members of the inspection panel agreed this compromise would improve visibility for reversing cars and pedestrians walking along the path.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, Ronnie John, who is a neighbour of the applicant Mervyn Botwood, said: “I think it is dreadful. The council has spent a lot of money making this a safe passage for children going to and from school, and now cars will have to reverse over that footpath if they are parked in front of the house.

Mr Botood had no comment to make.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow