The site forms part of allocated development land within the wider Parc Penprys area.

2.1 The Existing Situation

Overspill parking has now become a weekly occurrence, as reflected in the photographs in Section 4.0. The existing car park no longer accommodates visitor numbers at peak times, particularly during funeral services.

This has resulted in distressing situations for mourners trying to find parking. Only last week, funeral directors were observed guiding vehicles along the approach lane to ensure the funeral cortege could reach the entrance. This illustrates the growing operational and safety pressures arising from insufficient parking capacity and the risk of congestion at key access points during services.

2.2 Justification for the Overspill Provision

When the crematorium was first planned in 2002, national guidance suggested relatively modest parking standards. Since then, best practice has evolved significantly.

The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) 2019 Guidance recommends almost double the 2002 provision. Today’s requirements for wider bay dimensions, greater accessibility provision, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure all increase the land-take required for compliant parking layouts.

Because the original car park only ever met the 2002 minimum, the site is now substantially under- provisioned against current benchmarks. The proposed solution addresses this deficiency by providing a dedicated, well-designed overspill area, carefully located and landscaped to minimise visual and environmental impact.

Importantly, its delivery is not simply a matter of operational convenience. It is a matter of public safety, dignity, and community cohesion, reducing the risk of conflict between visitors and preventing potential accidents.

2.3 Councillor Endorsement

Town and County Councillor Stephen Williams offered his strong support:

“As with so many residents of Llanelli and the wider area, I have attended an increasing number of funeral services held at Llanelli Crematorium. The infrastructure of the site has limited potential for expansion. On several occasions I have seen huge tailbacks of vehicles trying to access the grounds and cars parked on the approach road.

The proposal by Mr Dyfrig Richards could have huge benefits for the future of services at the crematorium. It will reduce access delays and the additional stress this causes for mourners and families. It would improve road safety and support the crematorium in managing vehicle activity without impacting its infrastructure.

I welcome such an idea and hope authorities can work with Mr Richards on this development to ensure it is realised as quickly as possible.”

2.4 Support from Funeral Directors

Several local funeral directors have expressed strong support:

Matthew L Jones – Matthew L Jones Funeral Services:

“As funeral support and carriage masters who use Llanelli Crematorium regularly, we see how often cars are parked on the grass verges, causing problems and extra stress to families. An overspill car park would take cars off these verges and make the journey in and out of the crematorium much less stressful and dignified.”

Hefin Williams – O.G. Harries Ltd:

“Currently there are not enough spaces inside the crematorium grounds for the number of cars attending funerals. As a result, the main road is being used for parking, causing traffic issues and often delaying the funeral cortege. I fully support the application.”

2.5 Key Characteristics

• Crematorium parking frequently exceeds capacity during peak-time services
• The overspill car park will manage this safely, respectfully, and with appropriate landscaping
• The wider land is suitable for low-impact office development within a landscaped setting
• The land is not proposed for residential development