IT COULD be second time lucky for one of the Towy Valley's most popular hotels after its application for a car park to the rear of the property was recommended for approval.

Martyn Morgan, of The Cawdor Hotel, Llandeilo, has applied to change the use of land off Bank Buildings.

The application is the second for the site, with the first plea turned down in July of last year.

But planning officer Kevin Phillips said the grounds the initial proposal was turned down on - highway concerns - could be rectified.

He added: "While the road system remains the same, it has been established that it would accommodate vehicular movements from the proposed car park."

Mr Phillips did, however, issue a warning to hotel bosses that they must comply with the new traffic management system.

Neighbours once again voiced concerns over highway safety and the "inappropriate access" to the site, which will be used by "unprepared" visitors.

They also spoke of their worries about the increase in fumes and noise from the traffic.

These fears have been allayed by Mr Phillips.

"The issues of concern raised by local residents remain, should these improvements not be accepted and adopted," he said.

"Therefore, while the applicant has proposed to contribute £10,000 to assist the traffic management measures required, it is considered the improvements would have to be accepted and adopted prior to the use of the proposed car park."

Playing down fears of an increase in fumes, Mr Phillips said: "The restricted dimensions and the form of the local roads will not result in any significant increase in noise from the extra traffic moving at restricted speeds along its length.

"Due to the nature of the business and random movements of traffic, there would not be any signficant increase in problems from fumes from vehicles using the road."

Giving the application the thumbs-up, he said: "It is recommended that the scheme is given permission subject to a condition the car park shall not commence until a scheme for improved traffic management has been accepted and adopted."

A final decision will be made by the planning committee at a meeting in Carmarthen tomorrow (Thursday).