CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a Pontrhydfendigaid front garden into a parking area refused, despite being earmarked for approval previously.

It was reported in the Cambrian News last month that Ceredigion County Council’s planning committee had given the go-ahead for “improved access and parking arrangements” at 1 and 3 Llysteg, Bridge Street, despite neighbours claiming the plans would endanger schoolchildren.

But now the plans, which would have seen a front wall on the two properties demolished and the two front gardens turned into a single parking area, have been refused after councillors voted overwhelmingly against the plans.

A site inspection panel meeting in April, made up of members of the committee, were overwhelmingly in favour of approving the application subject to minor amendments, with only Cllr Mark Strong opposing the plans outright.

Planning officers also recommended approving the application, and upon introducing the plans to members, told them the applicant would be within their rights to knock down their own wall without planning permission.

Local member Cllr Ifan Davies replied: “He does have the right to take his front wall away but without our permission, he wouldn’t be able to cross our pavement to access the road."

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